Hyundai car upcoming HE1i compact electric SUV has been spotted again in India, with one prototype seen at a fast-charging station in Vijayawada and another undergoing road testing. The latest sightings provide fresh clues about the upcoming EV's exterior design, charging-related testing and possible variant differences.

The HE1i is expected to be positioned below the Creta Electric in Hyundai India's EV portfolio. Hyundai has confirmed plans to introduce a new mass-market electric SUV in India during the current financial year, although the company has not yet announced the production model's official name, battery specifications or pricing.

Hyundai HE1i Spotted at Charging Station

One of the test vehicles was photographed at the Hyundai Maya Autobahn Station in Vijayawada. According to reports, Hyundai personnel were enquiring about the availability of a 120 kW charging connector at the station.

The charging station reportedly has 180 kW and 120 kW DC charging units, with CCS-2 connectors. However, the presence of a 120 kW charger does not confirm that the HE1i will support 120 kW peak charging. Hyundai has not revealed the SUV's maximum DC charging capability or charging time yet.

Hyundai is also expanding its charging infrastructure in India. The company recently announced 120 kW DC fast-charging stations in Delhi and said its network currently includes 185 DC fast-charging stations across 105 cities.

Two Different Headlamp Setups Spotted

One of the most interesting details from the latest spy shots is the difference in headlamp configurations.

The prototype seen at the charging station appears to feature slim horizontal lighting elements inside the lower headlamp housing. Another road-going test vehicle has a larger, projector-style unit in the same area. Both prototypes appear to retain a slim upper lighting strip, suggesting a split-headlamp design.

The differences could indicate that Hyundai is testing different lighting configurations for separate variants, although the company has not confirmed this.

Boxy Compact SUV Design

The HE1i appears to have a tall and upright body with a relatively flat roofline and large windows. The compact proportions are consistent with its expected sub-4-metre positioning.

The test vehicles also feature geometric dual-tone alloy wheels. One prototype was seen with roof rails, while horizontal rear lighting elements could be seen through the camouflage. The front, bumpers, doors and tailgate remain heavily covered, so the final design is still not completely known.

Expected Features and Platform

Earlier sightings have indicated a cabin with a large central touchscreen and a slim driver display. Hyundai has indicated that its upcoming compact EV will feature next-generation infotainment and Level 2 ADAS, while Pleos Connect could also form part of its technology package.

The HE1i is reported to use Hyundai's E-GMP (K) architecture, related to the global Inster EV. The international Inster is available with 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery options, but these battery capacities have not been confirmed for the India-spec HE1i.

Expected Launch Timeline

The new Hyundai electric SUV is expected to make its debut by the end of 2026, with its market launch anticipated around the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2027 in February, according to current reports. Hyundai is expected to reveal more information about its battery, range, charging performance and pricing closer to the launch.

Hyundai HE1i: Key Details