The Tata Altroz EV is still on Tata Motors’ EV roadmap despite making its debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and receiving a near-production preview at Auto Expo 2020. This all-electric premium hatchback, which was recently reported to be internally designated “Ascot“, was originally anticipated to be the second EV product following the Nexon EV.
But a number of setbacks, mostly brought on by issues with battery packaging, have extended its schedule. Its hatchback stance was compromised by a dip from 165 mm to 145 mm due to ground clearance restrictions brought on by the underfloor battery arrangement.
The Acti.EV architecture, which underpins both the Altroz EV and Punch EV, initially posed a challenge for Altroz due to:
- Limited space for a battery under the flat floor.
- Reduced ground clearance that affected ride height and aesthetics.
- Tata is refusing to raise the body height to maintain the signature Altroz silhouette.
Tata Motors is currently concentrating on updating the Punch EV platform to better support a larger battery pack, which may also address the packaging problems with the Altroz EV.
The Tata Altroz EV and updated Punch EV will both use the brand’s modular Acti.EV platform. Here’s what to expect:
| Feature | Punch EV | Expected Altroz EV |
| Battery Options | 25 kWh / 35 kWh | Similar 25–35 kWh units |
| ARAI Range | 265 km / 365 km | Likely identical |
| Motor Output | 82 hp / 122 hp | Same as Punch EV |
| Expected Price Range | ₹10 lakh – ₹14.44 lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹11 lakh – ₹14.5 lakh approx. |
| Launch Timeline | Festive season 2025 (Punch facelift) | Expected H1 2026 |
For Tata’s mass-market EV strategy, this action maximises cost-efficiency, guarantees component uniformity, and speeds up development cycles.
Besides the Altroz EV, Tata Motors is actively working on the next-gen Harrier EV (Taurus) and Safari EV (Leo) — both based on an all-new, flexible platform that can support:
- EV + ICE powertrains
- All-wheel drive (AWD) compatibility
- Increased overall size and cabin space
This will allow Tata to compete more aggressively with Mahindra’s INGLO platform and upcoming BE-series SUVs.
Even if the prices of the Altroz EV and Punch EV can be similar, their target markets are distinct. Punch targets crossover aficionados, while Altroz serves customers of luxury hatchbacks in urban areas. In order to extend its total addressable market and prevent internal competition, Tata Motors is strategically differentiating the two.
In Tata’s EV roadmap, the Altroz EV is still very much in existence. Its release, which is now anticipated in late 2025 with the revised Punch EV facelift, will solidify Tata’s dominance in the electric hatchback market despite the delays.
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