2026 Tata Punch EV Achieves 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating Nepal Launch Imminent

Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Tata Punch EV has earned a **5-star safety rating** from Bharat NCAP, achieving **31.09/32** in Adult Occupant Protection and **45/49** in Child Occupant Protection
- The Nepal-bound model features a **40 kWh battery**, **129 hp** motor, and **468 km** ARAI-certified range (355 km real-world estimate)
- Standard safety features include **six airbags**, **Electronic Stability Control**, **ISOFIX mounts**, and **three-point seatbelts** for all occupants
- The five-star rating applies to both **30 kWh** and **40 kWh** variants, reinforcing its position as a top safety pick in the compact EV segment
- The facelifted Punch EV will debut in Nepal at the **NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026** with updated styling and enhanced technology
The 2026 Tata Punch EV, set for launch in Nepal, has achieved an impressive 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. This updated electric SUV has demonstrated exceptional performance in both adult and child occupant protection, solidifying its position as one of the safest vehicles in its category ahead of its entry into the Nepalese market.
In Bharat NCAP’s latest crash tests, the Punch EV scored 31.09 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection (COP). Although the adult protection score is slightly lower than the 31.46/32 achieved by the pre-facelift model in 2024, the vehicle still retains the highest possible five-star safety rating. The child occupant score remains unchanged, underscoring consistent safety standards.
The crash test report highlights that the Punch EV provides good protection for the heads and necks of both front occupants. Protection for the driver’s chest and knees, as well as the front passenger’s knees, was rated as adequate, with overall occupant protection remaining robust.
In specific tests, the Punch EV achieved a score of 15.28 out of 16 in the frontal offset deformable barrier test and 15.80 out of 16 in the side movable deformable barrier test. It also passed the side pole impact test with an “OK” rating and met all required Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance standards.
Child occupant safety is another strong suit of the Punch EV. It earned the maximum 24 out of 24 points in the dynamic assessment and 12 out of 12 for Child Restraint System (CRS) installation. In the vehicle assessment category, it scored 9 out of 13. Bharat NCAP evaluated the vehicle using 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies placed in rearward-facing child seats secured via ISOFIX anchorages and support legs. Both child occupants received full marks in both frontal and side impact assessments.
This five-star safety rating applies to various models of the Punch EV, including both the 30 kWh and 40 kWh versions. Standard safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, three-point seatbelts with reminders for all occupants, and compliance with pedestrian protection regulations.
The Nepal-bound facelifted Tata Punch EV will feature a 40 kWh battery pack, paired with a front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels. The motor delivers 129 hp and 154 Nm of torque, offering an ARAI-certified driving range of 468 km. Tata also estimates a more realistic C75 range of approximately 355 km under typical mixed driving conditions.
The facelifted Punch EV is slated to make its official debut in Nepal at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026. Upon launch, it will enter the market with updated styling, enhanced technology, and now, a proven five-star crash safety rating, making it a compelling choice for consumers.