Hyundai Motor India is preparing to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with a new locally developed mass-market electric SUV, marking an important step in the company’s India EV strategy.
The upcoming model will be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and is expected to reach the Indian market by 2027. Unlike an EV conversion based on an existing petrol-powered vehicle, the new SUV has been conceived specifically around electric propulsion.
Hyundai has yet to reveal several crucial details, including the model’s production name, battery capacity, range, motor specifications and pricing. However, the company has confirmed that the vehicle will be developed with Indian customers and local requirements in mind.
A Dedicated EV Platform for Hyundai’s Next Big Model
Hyundai is positioning the upcoming SUV as a localised, mass-market electric vehicle designed specifically for India.
Using a dedicated EV architecture gives manufacturers greater freedom to design the vehicle around its battery and electric powertrain. It can potentially result in:
- More efficient use of interior space
- Better battery integration
- Improved weight distribution
- Greater freedom in cabin and wheelbase design
- Easier adoption of future electrical and software technologies
Hyundai already has experience with dedicated EV architecture in India through the Ioniq 5, which is based on the company’s E-GMP platform.
The upcoming SUV, however, will be different in its positioning. It is expected to become Hyundai’s first locally developed and mass-market dedicated EV for India.
Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz had earlier stated that the upcoming electric SUV would be designed, engineered and manufactured in India for Indian consumers.
The company has now confirmed that the model is scheduled to arrive by 2027.
HE1i Could Be Hyundai’s Upcoming Affordable EV SUV
Although Hyundai has not officially revealed the production identity of the vehicle, industry reports have referred to the project by the internal codename HE1i.
The model is expected to sit in the more affordable part of Hyundai’s EV range and could potentially be positioned below the Creta Electric.
Reports indicate that the vehicle could be based on the more cost-effective E-GMP (K) architecture, which is related to the platform used by the global Hyundai Inster.
If these reports prove accurate, the upcoming Hyundai EV could compete against a growing list of compact and affordable electric SUVs, including:
- Tata Punch.ev
- Tata Nexon.ev
- Mahindra XUV 3XO EV
- MG Windsor EV
- Future affordable electric SUVs from Maruti Suzuki
However, Hyundai has not officially confirmed the HE1i codename, platform specifications or final positioning of the Indian production model.
Battery and Range Details Are Still Under Wraps
There has been considerable speculation around the powertrain of the upcoming SUV.
Reports suggest that Hyundai could offer two battery options, potentially based on the 42kWh and 49kWh battery configurations used by the international-spec Inster.
However, these figures are not confirmed for India.
Hyundai has not yet announced the Indian SUV’s:
- Battery capacity
- Electric motor output
- Certified range
- Charging specifications
- Performance figures
Therefore, any current reports regarding these specifications should be viewed as expected or possible specifications rather than confirmed details.
Hyundai EV SUV: Current Status
| Detail | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Mass-market electric SUV |
| Platform | Dedicated EV architecture |
| Development | Localised for India |
| Expected codename | HE1i |
| Expected size | Under four metres |
| Positioning | Expected below Creta Electric |
| Launch | By 2027 |
| Battery | Not officially announced |
| Range | Not officially announced |
| Price | Not officially announced |
The expected sub-four-metre dimensions would put the upcoming Hyundai EV into one of India’s most competitive automotive categories.
Its eventual success, however, will depend heavily on how aggressively Hyundai can price the vehicle.
Localisation Will Be Critical to Pricing
Hyundai’s decision to develop and localise the SUV in India could play an important role in keeping costs under control.
For a mass-market EV, localising expensive components such as the battery pack, power electronics and other high-value electric vehicle systems will be particularly important.
Higher local content could help Hyundai achieve greater economies of scale and offer the vehicle at a price suitable for a wider section of Indian buyers.
This will be especially important as competition in India’s affordable EV segment continues to increase.
Hyundai Is Also Building Its EV Ecosystem
The new SUV announcement comes alongside Hyundai’s efforts to strengthen the infrastructure required to support a growing number of electric vehicles.
As part of its EV expansion programme, Hyundai inaugurated 120kW DC fast-charging stations in New Delhi in partnership with Statiq.
The company is also expanding EV-specific training and service capabilities across its network.
Hyundai says:
- More than 10,000 sales employees have already received EV training.
- Over 2,600 dealership personnel have been trained in EV maintenance.
- Around 16,000 person-days of EV-specific training have been completed.
- The company is targeting an EV-ready sales network of 820 touchpoints by FY2026-27.
- Its EV service network is targeted to reach 650 workshops by FY2026-27.
These efforts indicate that Hyundai is preparing its wider retail and after-sales network alongside the arrival of its next-generation mass-market EV.
Charging Network Expansion Continues
Hyundai currently operates 183 DC fast-charging stations and has plans to increase this number to 600 by 2030.
The company has also partnered with Jio-bp, giving Hyundai EV customers access to more than 37,000 charging points through the myHyundai application.
Expanding charging access will be particularly important if Hyundai wants its upcoming affordable EV to appeal beyond early adopters and reach mainstream buyers.
What This Means for Hyundai’s India EV Strategy
The upcoming electric SUV could become a much more important product for Hyundai than its existing premium EV offerings.
The Ioniq 5 has demonstrated Hyundai’s ability to bring a dedicated EV platform to India, but the new SUV is expected to target a significantly broader customer base.
If Hyundai manages to combine high localisation, competitive pricing, practical range and a strong charging and service network, the model could become an important part of the company’s next phase of EV growth in India.
For now, Hyundai has confirmed the localised, dedicated-platform mass-market electric SUV and its 2027 timeline, while details such as its final name, battery, range and price remain under wraps.
