Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in India, and Tata Motors is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for its EV lineup. But while strong demand is good news for the company, it is creating a major problem for customers.
Some Tata Punch EV buyers are reportedly facing waiting periods of more than eight months. This means customers booking the electric SUV now could potentially have to wait until 2027 for delivery, depending on the variant, city and allocation.
Tata’s EV Demand Has Jumped Sharply
According to Tata Motors' Managing Director Shailesh Chandra, demand for the company's electric vehicles has increased by around three to three-and-a-half times compared with February.
The company sold more than 34,000 EVs during the first quarter of FY2027, marking its highest-ever quarterly EV sales. This represented a 112 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
EVs accounted for around 19 percent of Tata Motors' passenger vehicle sales during the quarter. CNG vehicles contributed another 27 percent, meaning nearly half of Tata's passenger vehicle sales came from powertrains other than traditional petrol and diesel.
Punch EV Has Become One of the Biggest Demand Drivers
The Tata Punch EV is particularly important in this growth story.
The refreshed Punch EV is aimed at buyers looking for a relatively affordable electric SUV. Its starting price is around ₹9.69 lakh ex-showroom, while buyers can choose between 30 kWh and 40 kWh battery options.
Tata claims that the 40 kWh version can deliver a certified range of up to 468 km. The company also claims that the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in around 26 minutes using a DC fast charger.
With these specifications and increasing interest in affordable EVs, demand for the Punch EV has reportedly put pressure on Tata's production capacity.
Tata Is Increasing EV Production
Tata Motors has already taken steps to address the supply shortage.
The company has reportedly increased its EV production capacity from around 9,000 units per month to more than 15,000 units. Tata also plans to increase production capacity further as demand continues to grow.
Despite this expansion, the rapid increase in bookings means supply is still struggling to keep pace with demand for some models and variants.
EV Sales Continue to Rise
Tata's overall EV growth highlights how quickly India's electric-car market is expanding.
Wholesale EV sales reportedly reached around 14,800 units in June, almost three times the level recorded during the same period the previous year. In July, the figure crossed 15,000 units.
Tata expects its EV sales to grow by more than 70 percent during the full financial year, indicating that the company expects demand to remain strong.
Should You Book the Punch EV Despite the Long Wait?
An eight-month waiting period can be frustrating for buyers. Someone booking a Punch EV in August could potentially receive the vehicle only in 2027, although the actual waiting period will depend on the city, variant and delivery allocation.
A long wait also creates uncertainty. By the time the car is delivered, its price could change, existing finance or promotional offers may no longer be available, and newer electric cars could enter the market.
For buyers who need a car immediately, waiting several months may therefore not make sense. It could be worth comparing alternatives before making a final decision.
The competition is also getting tougher, with manufacturers such as MG, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia and Maruti Suzuki expanding their electric vehicle portfolios.
For Tata, the growing waiting period is ultimately a problem created by success. But for customers, it is an important factor to consider before paying a booking amount for the Punch EV.
