Hyundai Motor India is preparing to expand its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio with a new sub-four-metre electric SUV, expected to make its debut in January 2027.
Internally codenamed HE1i, the upcoming model is being developed specifically for Indian buyers and is expected to vie in the increasingly crowded compact electric SUV segment.
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| Price to determine success of Hyundai compact SUV. |
The launch timeline has undergone a few changes. Hyundai had initially indicated a March 2027 debut during its 2026 chief executive officer (CEO) Investor Day.
Subsequently, Hyundai Motor India managing director (MD) and CEO Tarun Garg indicated that the electric SUV could arrive by the end of 2026.
However, as per latest reports, the launch has now been pushed to January 2027, placing its debut in the first quarter of the calendar year.
With two battery options, advanced driver assistance technology and a locally focused production strategy, Hyundai’s upcoming EV could become an important addition to the brand’s India lineup.
Hyundai compact EV: Platform and manufacturing details
The upcoming Hyundai compact electric SUV will be based on the E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Inster EV sold in international markets.
The architecture has been developed for compact electric vehicles, making it a suitable foundation for a small SUV designed for urban driving and everyday practicality.
Hyundai will manufacture the new EV at its Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu.
Developing and producing the vehicle locally should help the company tailor it to Indian market requirements, although pricing and localisation details are not out.
The sub-four-metre format could also make the model attractive to buyers looking for a compact vehicle that combines the higher seating position of an SUV with the benefits of electric mobility.
Two-battery options: Standard range and long range
Hyundai is expected to offer the HE1i in two variants: Standard range and long range.
The company has not revealed the battery capacities, motor output or driving range of the India-spec model.
The international Hyundai Inster provides a useful reference point.
It is available in 42kWh and 49kWh battery packs, offering claimed WLTP driving ranges of up to 300 km and 355 km, respectively.
Its standard range version develops 97hp and 147Nm, while the long-range model produces 115hp and 147Nm.
However, these figures may not be confirmed specifications for the Indian electric SUV.
Battery capacity, performance and range could differ depending on the final configuration and market-specific requirements.
Initially, Hyundai’s compact EV is expected to use battery cells supplied by Svolt.
The company plans to transition into locally-sourced cells through its partnership with Exide once domestic battery production is ready.
Features: Level 2 ADAS and next-generation infotainment
Technology is expected to be a major highlight of Hyundai’s upcoming electric SUV.
The company has confirmed Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a next-generation infotainment system.
The latter could potentially be based on Hyundai’s Pleos Connect platform, although the final system has not been officially confirmed for this model.
The international Inster offers features such as dual 10.25-inch displays, automatic climate control and a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring.
Whether these features will be included in the India-spec HE1i remains unknown.
Hyundai compact EV rivals in India
Once launched, the new Hyundai electric SUV is expected to compete with the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV.
Its success will depend on pricing, real-world driving range, equipment and charging capabilities.
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E-Vroooom’s views
What to expect
The Hyundai HE1i is shaping up to be a significant new entrant in India’s affordable electric SUV market.
While official specifications and pricing remain undisclosed, its expected January 2027 debut, dual-range strategy and technology-focused equipment make it a model worth watching.
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