In a significant move to bolster its electric vehicle lineup tailored for the Indian market, Hyundai Motor India has unveiled plans for its first dedicated, locally developed EV. Dubbed the HE1i internally, this upcoming compact electric SUV promises to be a game-changer for urban drivers and highway explorers alike, arriving in 2027 as the cornerstone of Hyundai’s India-specific electrification strategy. carwale.com +1The announcement, made during Hyundai’s Investor Day 2025, underscores the company’s commitment to “design, engineer, and build” vehicles optimized for Indian roads, preferences, and pricing dynamics.
Drawing inspiration from the globally acclaimed Hyundai Inster, this sub-4-meter electric SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu, incorporating localized batteries sourced from Exide to keep costs competitive.
Dual Battery Strategy: Catering to Every Drive
At the heart of this new EV’s appeal is its flexible powertrain lineup, featuring two battery pack options to suit diverse driving needs. The Standard Range variant, with an estimated 42 kWh battery, targets city commuters seeking efficient, short-haul mobility—ideal for navigating congested urban streets without range anxiety. For those venturing further, the Long Range edition steps up with a 49 kWh pack, promising extended highway capabilities while maintaining the compact footprint perfect for Indian parking woes.This dual-variant approach mirrors strategies employed by rivals like Tata with the Punch EV, allowing Hyundai to democratize EV ownership across budget-conscious buyers. While exact range figures for the Indian-spec model remain under wraps, European Inster benchmarks suggest up to 300 km (WLTP) for the Standard Range and 355 km for the Long Range, with power outputs of 97 hp/147 Nm and 115 hp/147 Nm, respectively.Expect ARAI-certified ranges to align closely, potentially enhanced by India’s milder climates in key markets.
Tech-Savvy and Safety-First
Hyundai isn’t skimping on features for this entry-level EV. The compact SUV will boast an advanced infotainment system with seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates for the central controller, ensuring owners stay ahead with software enhancements without a dealership visit. Connectivity takes center stage, with intuitive interfaces supporting voice commands, wireless smartphone mirroring, and possibly integrated navigation optimized for EV charging networks. Safety gets a major upgrade with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a rarity in this price bracket. Features will include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and parking aids like self-parking and 360-degree cameras—crucial for India’s unpredictable traffic.
The vehicle will also feature a “super strong body structure” using high-strength steel, aligning with Hyundai’s global safety ethos. Underpinning it all is Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) platform, a scalable architecture that balances affordability with performance. At 3,825 mm long, 1,610 mm wide, and 1,575 mm tall—with a 2,580 mm wheelbase—this SUV slots perfectly between the Exter and Venue, rivaling the Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV400 in the sub-compact segment.
Positioning in Hyundai’s Growing EV Portfolio
Priced to undercut the Venue (starting around Rs 7.94 lakh for ICE variants), this compact EV is expected to launch in the Rs 10-15 lakh bracket, making it an accessible gateway to electrification. It differentiates from the recently launched Creta EV—a more premium, family-oriented offering with up to 473 km range and starting at Rs 17.99 lakh—by focusing on city agility and affordability. timesofindia.indiatimes.com +1As Hyundai accelerates toward a 52% “eco-friendly” product mix by 2030, including eight hybrid models like the next-gen Creta Hybrid, this compact EV marks the beginning of a localized push.
With fast-charging support (10-80% in about 30 minutes for the base pack) and potential V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capabilities, it aligns with India’s expanding charging infrastructure. Though technical specs and exact timelines are still forthcoming, Hyundai’s Investor Day tease has ignited excitement. As EV adoption surges—India’s market grew 50% in 2024—this localized hero could propel Hyundai past 100,000 annual EV sales by decade’s end. Watch this space for more reveals as 2027 approaches.
