Tata Punch EV Smart 30 vs Empowered Plus S 40: Is the upgrade worth it?

The Tata Punch EV now offers more features and updates, making it a strong contender in its segment. Tata Motors has introduced changes to enhance its appeal. This report compares the base Punch EV Smart 30 with the top-spec Empowered Plus S 40. The price difference between the two is about Rs 3 lakh. The key question is whether the base variant is sufficient or if the top variant justifies the extra cost.

Key Highlights

• The Tata Punch EV now offers more features and updates, making it a strong contender in its segment.
• Tata Motors has introduced changes to enhance its appeal.
• This report compares the base Punch EV Smart 30 with the top-spec Empowered Plus S 40.
• The price difference between the two is about Rs 3 lakh.

Design and Exterior Features

Both variants of the all-new Tata Punch EV share the same overall design, with upright proportions and a muscular stance. The base Smart 30 variant comes with halogen projector headlamps. While the Empowered Plus S 40 upgrades to LED projector headlamps and adds LED fog lamps. Both variants feature sleek LED DRLs, maintaining a modern look.

The Smart 30 rides on 15-inch steel wheels, while the Empowered Plus S 40 uses 16-inch alloy wheels. The top variant also includes roof rails and a dual-tone paint scheme, enhancing its SUV character. The Empowered Plus S 40 features a rear wiper, a defogger, and connected LED tail lamps, which the base variant lacks. The connected lighting setup adds distinction, especially with bold color options like Empowered Oxide.

The Empowered Plus S 40 offers all paint shade options, but only with a dual-tone finish and black roof. Other variants have more limited color choices.

Interior and Comfort Features

The Punch EV Smart 30 has a simple interior with a 2-spoke steering wheel and fabric seat upholstery. It lacks an infotainment system, offering only a TFT display in a semi-digital instrument cluster.

The Empowered Plus S 40 features a dual-tone grey and white interior, leatherette seats, and grey accents. It includes a larger infotainment system, a fully digital driver’s display, and a touch-sensitive climate control panel. The top variant also offers a sunroof for added cabin ambience.

Technology and Convenience

The Smart 30 covers basic features such as front power windows, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and electric tailgate release. It lacks a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an audio system, and steering-mounted controls. Rear power windows, armrests, and extra charging ports are also missing.

The Empowered Plus S 40 is more feature-rich. It offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, Type-C charging ports, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, and connected car technology. Additional features include ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, a rear armrest, and an air purifier.

Also Read: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. registered total sales of 63,331 units in February 2026

Safety and Battery Options

Both variants come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, and rear parking sensors. The base variant lacks a rear-view camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and rain-sensing wipers. The Empowered Plus S 40 adds these features and includes a 360-degree camera, hill-descent control, and a blind spot monitor.

The Smart 30 uses a 30 kWh battery, while the Empowered Plus S 40 has a larger 40 kWh battery. Only one variant in the Punch EV lineup offers both battery options. Tata also provides a battery rental plan, starting at Rs 6.49 lakh plus Rs 2.6 per km.

The Punch EV competes as a premium alternative to the MG Comet EV and Tata Tiago EV and as an affordable option compared to the Mahindra 3XO EV and MG Windsor EV.

Conclusion

Ultimately, skip the upgrade if city commutes stay short—the Smart 30 delivers solid value with a 275 km range and core safety. But for highway hauls, family comfort, and tech like ventilated seats plus a 468 km range, the Empowered Plus S 40 transforms the Punch EV into a premium daily driver. Test drive both to match your needs in India's EV boom.