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Hyundai’s next made-in-India electric model to be a boxy compact SUV with heavy localisation and an economical pricing
Following the Creta Electric, Hyundai is developing a second India-focused EV, codenamed ‘HE1i’. With less than a year left in its launch, testing is in full swing and has extended beyond South Korea to India.
The letter ‘i’ in the codename stands for the India-specific version, while the letter ‘E’ suggests a strong possibility of Hyundai introducing the new EV under its Ioniq series. For reference, the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 9 were developed under the codenames ‘NE’, ‘CE’, and ‘ME’, respectively. Given the India-focused EV’s small dimensions and SUV body style, we think ‘Ioniq 1’ could be the name Hyundai is looking at.
The new compact EV features upright front and rear fascias, an upright A-pillar, squarish windows, a flattish roof, raised roof rails, extremely short overhangs, and a high ground clearance. Hyundai has designed it with these attributes to create an authentic SUV character that resonates well with the average Indian customer. The company has integrated the charging port of the EV behind the left-side front quarter panel.
Also Read: 3 Upcoming Hyundai Hybrid SUVs To Wait For In India; Key Info
There are several modern details as well, including a split headlamp setup, Pixel-inspired LED DRLs and tail lights, sleek side mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels in an aerodynamic design and two-tone finish.
The interior is expected to have a contemporary look throughout, with a tablet-like 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9.9-inch slim digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and more. Other highlights should include a single-pane electric sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, ventilated front seats, a 360º camera system, and six airbags.
Also Read: Hyundai Creta Is The Only Midsize SUV To Cross 2 Lakh Unit Sales In FY26
The Hyundai HE1i is likely to be offered with two small battery packs, both featuring LFP cells sourced locally from Exide Energy. There could be two options for the motor as well, also expected to be sourced locally, and likely to send power to the front wheels.
The extended-range variant will likely be capable of travelling somewhere between 475 and 500 kilometres on a single charge. Prices of the Hyundai HE1i could start at around Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The compact EV will mainly face competition from the Tata Punch.ev and, to an extent, even from the Citroen e-C3.
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