Hyundai is accelerating its push into India’s booming electric vehicle market with a new compact electric SUV that has once again been spotted undergoing real-world road tests. The latest sightings occurred in Goa, where the camouflaged prototype was captured charging at a public EV station, signaling steady progress in its development program.This sub-4-meter electric SUV—internally codenamed HE1i—is designed specifically for the Indian market and will be Hyundai’s first fully localized, made-in-India dedicated electric model. It is expected to draw inspiration from the global Hyundai Inster (a compact EV already on sale in select markets), adapted to suit local preferences with a practical, boxy silhouette that maximizes interior space.
The test mule remains heavily wrapped in camouflage, but several design elements are visible:
- A tall, upright stance with a boxy profile for enhanced cabin room and practicality.
- Roof rails for added utility.
- Flush door handles to improve aerodynamics and give a modern EV aesthetic.
- New geometric-pattern alloy wheels.
The vehicle was spotted alongside what appears to be a Kia Carens Clavis EV variant at the charging station in Goa, reinforcing its pure-electric credentials.
Hyundai’s development timeline points to a debut later in 2026 or early 2027, with local production planned at one of its Indian facilities (likely Sriperumbudur or Talegaon). This aligns with the brand’s broader strategy to expand its EV lineup and achieve significant localization for affordability and market penetration.The compact SUV will target the high-volume sub-4-meter segment, directly rivaling popular models like the Tata Punch EV and potentially others in the entry-level electric crossover space. It is positioned below larger Hyundai EVs (such as the upcoming Creta EV) in the lineup.
While official specifications remain under wraps, expectations based on the Inster platform and Hyundai’s announcements include:
- Two battery pack options (likely around 42kWh and 49kWh) for standard and long-range variants.
- A front-mounted electric motor with a claimed range of up to 350–500 km (depending on battery and conditions).
- Modern tech such as a dual-screen setup (digital cluster + touchscreen), Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and possibly an electric sunroof in higher trims.
This new model forms part of Hyundai’s aggressive EV roadmap for India, which includes multiple SUVs launching between 2026 and 2027 to capture a larger share of the growing electric segment. As testing intensifies across locations, more details on design, performance, and pricing are expected to emerge soon.Stay tuned for updates—this compact EV could become a strong contender in India’s affordable electric SUV race.
