Tata Punch EV 2026 vs MG Comet EV — The Real Cheapest EV Battle in India?

India’s most affordable EV crown has long belonged to the MG Comet. But now, Tata has stepped in with aggressive pricing, a new battery option, and a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model that changes the equation completely.

So the real question is: Is the MG Comet still the cheapest EV that makes sense, or has the Tata Punch EV 2026 quietly taken that title?

1. Pricing: The Headline Grabber

Tata Punch EV Pricing

Standard Price Range:

Smart: ₹9.96 lakh (30 kW)
Smart+: ₹10.29 lakh (30 kW) / ₹10.89 lakh (40 kW)
Adventure: ₹11.59 lakh (40 kW)
Empowered: ₹12.29 lakh (40 kW)
Empowered+ S: ₹12.59 lakh (40 kW)
BaaS Model: ₹6.49 lakh + ₹2.6/km

The 2026 update reduces the upfront cost by ₹30,000, which is rare in the EV space. Tata’s BaaS strategy dramatically lowers the entry price, making it shockingly accessible for a compact electric SUV.

MG Comet EV Pricing

Variant Prices:

Executive: ₹7.5 lakh
Excite: ₹8.57 lakh
Excite FC: ₹8.97 lakh
Exclusive: ₹9.56 lakh
Exclusive FC: ₹9.97 lakh
Blackstorm Edition: ₹9.99 lakh
Starting Price (BaaS): ₹4.99 lakh + ₹3.1/km

Yes, the Comet still wins on pure entry price. But remember, it’s a micro EV — not a compact SUV.

Verdict (Pricing)

If your only goal is lowest upfront cost, the Comet wins.

If you want SUV practicality at an affordable EMI-level entry, the Punch EV’s BaaS pricing feels far more balanced.

Personally, I think Tata has made this battle a lot more serious than many expected.

2. Battery, Power & Range

Tata Punch EV 2026 – Big Upgrade

The real game-changer is the 40 kWh battery pack:

95 kW power
200 Nm torque
468 km ARAI range
355 km C75 real-world range
1.5C fast charging (65 kW)
20–80% in 26 minutes
135 km added in 15 minutes
7.2 kW wallbox / 3.3 kW home charger
Lifetime battery warranty (unlimited km)

This is proper long-distance capability. You can realistically do intercity travel without anxiety.

MG Comet EV – City-Focused Setup

17.3–17.4 kWh battery
230 km claimed range
41–42 bhp
110 Nm torque
3.3 kW (7h) / 7.4 kW (3.5h) AC charging
No DC fast charging on standard variants

The Comet is clearly engineered for urban commutes. It’s not pretending to be a highway cruiser.

Verdict (Performance & Range)

If you drive mainly inside city limits, the Comet works.

If you want flexibility for longer routes, the Punch EV is in another league entirely.

In my view, this is where Tata decisively pulls ahead.

3. Size & Practicality

Punch EV Dimensions

Length: 3,857 mm
Width: 1,742 mm
Height: 1,633 mm
Wheelbase: 2,445 mm
Ground Clearance: 195 mm
Water Wading: 450 mm
Boot Space: 366 litres

This is a genuine compact SUV. High seating, strong road presence, usable boot.

Comet EV Dimensions

Length: 2,974 mm
Width: 1,505 mm
Height: 1,640 mm
Wheelbase: 2,010 mm
Boot: Fits two slim laptop bags
4.2m turning radius

The Comet is brilliantly compact for city traffic and tight parking. But storage is limited, and rear seat ergonomics are compromised.

Verdict (Practicality)

Urban convenience? Comet wins.

Family usage, luggage, versatility? Punch EV by a mile.

If you have even one regular outstation trip planned in a year, I’d lean toward the Punch.

4. Features & Tech

Punch EV Highlights

6 airbags standard
ESC / ESP
Hill hold assist
TPMS
28.03 cm HD Harman infotainment
28.03 cm digital cockpit
Voice-assisted sunroof
360-degree camera
Front ventilated seats
Wireless charging
Ambient lighting
Connected car tech
EPB

This feels premium for the segment.

Comet EV Highlights

Dual 10.25-inch displays
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Digital key with sharing
55+ connected features
Leatherette seats (higher trims)
Reverse camera & sensors
Hill hold assist
Electronic parking brake

However, it gets only dual airbags, and no six-airbag coverage across the range.

Verdict (Features & Safety)

For tech appeal and city coolness, Comet is fun.

For safety and completeness, Punch EV is clearly stronger.

Six airbags standard is a big deal.

5. Ownership Economics (BaaS Comparison)

Punch EV BaaS: ₹2.6/km
Comet BaaS: ₹3.1/km

Over 1,000 km per month:

Punch: ₹2,600
Comet: ₹3,100

That’s ₹500 difference monthly — ₹6,000 annually.

Add lifetime battery warranty on Punch EV, and the value proposition becomes very interesting.

Verdict (Long-Term Value)

Comet is cheaper upfront.

Punch may be cheaper in long-term running — especially for higher usage.

Tata Punch EV Facelift Spy Shots - Front

Final Verdict: Which is the Real Cheapest EV?

If your needs are:

Strictly city commute
Ultra-low upfront cost
Easy parking in dense areas

Then MG Comet EV still wins for urban minimalism.

If your needs are:

SUV stance
Longer range
Higher safety
Better resale potential
Balanced pricing

Then Tata Punch EV 2026 feels like the smarter all-round EV.

In my opinion, the Comet is the cheapest EV on paper.

But the Punch EV is the cheapest EV that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

And that’s a huge difference.

If you're choosing purely by price tag, the Comet looks unbeatable.

If you're choosing by value, capability, and long-term sense, Tata may have just shifted the entire affordable EV segment.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Q. Which is the cheapest EV in India in 2026?

The MG Comet EV has the lowest starting price at ₹4.99 lakh (BaaS). However, the Tata Punch EV starts at ₹6.49 lakh (BaaS) with significantly more features and range.

Q. What is the range of Tata Punch EV 2026?

The 40 kWh version delivers 468 km ARAI-certified range and around 355 km real-world range (C75 cycle).

Q. Is MG Comet suitable for highway driving?

It is primarily designed for city use. Limited battery capacity and performance make it less ideal for frequent highway trips.

Q. Does Tata Punch EV offer fast charging?

Yes, it supports 65 kW DC fast charging, charging from 20–80% in 26 minutes.

Q. Which EV has better safety features?

The Tata Punch EV offers six airbags standard, whereas the MG Comet offers dual airbags.

Q. Which EV is better for families?

For space, boot capacity (366L), and SUV practicality, the Tata Punch EV is more suitable for families.