Khyati Sharma 2026-10-29
Hyundai cars is preparing a new entry-level electric SUV for India, expected to sit below the Creta Electric and target the growing compact EV market. The model, internally codenamed HE1i, is expected to arrive by early 2027. While the name Ioniq P has been reported, Hyundai has not officially confirmed the final name. Recent reports have also mentioned Ioniq 1 as a possible name.
Hyundai Motor India is preparing to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with a smaller, more accessible electric SUV developed specifically for the Indian market. The upcoming model is expected to help the company compete in the rapidly growing compact electric SUV cars segment, where models such as the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV have established a presence.
The new EV is internally known by the codename HE1i and is expected to be manufactured in India. Its compact dimensions, dedicated electric platform and planned localisation could help Hyundai reach buyers looking for an electric SUV below the Creta Electric.
Although the model has been associated with the possible Ioniq P name, the final production name, launch price, battery capacity and certified driving range remain unconfirmed.
Hyundai's upcoming compact electric SUV is expected to sit below the Creta Electric in the company's Indian lineup. This would give the brand an entry into a more affordable EV category and allow it to reach customers who may not want to spend as much as required for a larger electric SUV.
Hyundai has confirmed its plans for a locally developed compact electric SUV. At its 2026 CEO Investor Day, the company indicated that the vehicle would make its debut in India by March 2027. Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO Tarun Garg had previously indicated that the model could arrive by the end of 2026.
More recent reports have suggested a possible January 2027 debut, although that month has not been officially confirmed by Hyundai.
It is important to distinguish the vehicle's debut from the start of customer deliveries. The company has not announced a definitive retail launch date or booking schedule.
Spy shots of the upcoming Hyundai EV suggest a compact SUV with an upright body, short overhangs and a relatively tall roofline. This design approach could help maximise cabin space without making the vehicle difficult to manoeuvre in crowded urban areas.
The test vehicles have also shown a boxy silhouette and a relatively upright rear section. These proportions could provide practical headroom and luggage space while giving the EV a distinct identity within Hyundai's SUV range.
Expected exterior design elements include:
A closed-off front fascia typical of an electric vehicle.
Distinctive LED lighting and modern headlamp graphics.
Black body cladding around the wheel arches.
A tall roofline designed to improve cabin space.
Alloy wheels with a contemporary design.
A compact footprint suited to Indian city driving.
These details are based on observations of test vehicles and may change before production. Hyundai has not yet released the complete exterior design or official dimensions.
The upcoming EV is expected to use Hyundai's E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Inster sold in overseas markets. However, the India-specific vehicle should not be assumed to have identical specifications to the international model.
Hyundai plans to manufacture the compact electric SUV at its Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. Local production is an important part of the company's strategy for making the vehicle suitable for the Indian market.
A locally manufactured EV could also help Hyundai manage production costs, adapt the vehicle to domestic driving conditions and develop a supply chain for future electric models.
The company has indicated that the compact SUV will be designed and localised for India, making it an important addition to its long-term product strategy.
Hyundai is expected to offer the new electric SUV in Standard Range and Long Range versions. This approach would allow customers to choose between a potentially more affordable entry variant and a higher-range version suited to longer journeys.
However, Hyundai has not announced the Indian model's battery capacities, motor specifications or official driving range.
The overseas Hyundai Inster offers battery options of 42kWh and 49kWh, but these figures should only be treated as a reference. The India-spec HE1i could use different battery configurations depending on localisation, cost and market requirements.
Battery sourcing is another important aspect of the programme. Reports indicate that the vehicle could initially use battery cells from Svolt before transitioning to locally sourced cells through Hyundai's partnership with Exide Energy. The precise timing and final battery specifications have not been fully confirmed.
The official driving range will ultimately depend on battery capacity, motor efficiency, vehicle weight, tyre selection and the testing cycle used for certification.
Hyundai has indicated that the upcoming compact EV will receive a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
These technologies could help the model compete with increasingly feature-rich electric SUVs in India. The final equipment list, however, has not yet been disclosed.
Expected or reported features include:
A modern touchscreen infotainment system.
A digital driver's display.
Connected-car technology.
Level 2 driver assistance features.
A 360-degree camera system, depending on the final specification.
Ventilated front seats and a panoramic roof as possible equipment on higher variants.
The availability of individual features may vary by trim level, and the complete production specification should be confirmed closer to launch.
Level 2 ADAS can assist with certain driving tasks, depending on the functions included, but it does not make a vehicle autonomous. Drivers must remain attentive and responsible for controlling the car.
Hyundai has not announced the price of its upcoming compact EV. Its positioning below the Creta Electric suggests that it will target buyers looking for a smaller and potentially more affordable electric SUV.
The model is expected to compete with the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV. These vehicles operate in a competitive part of India's electric passenger vehicle market, where buyers compare price, range, charging capability, cabin space, safety equipment and after-sales support.
Pricing will be particularly important for Hyundai. Local manufacturing and battery localisation could support competitive positioning, but the final price will also depend on battery size, equipment and production costs.
Until Hyundai releases official pricing, any specific expected price should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed figure.
The compact electric SUV could help Hyundai expand beyond its current electric offerings, the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5. The Creta Electric serves buyers seeking a familiar midsize SUV format, while the Ioniq 5 occupies a more premium position.
A smaller EV would allow Hyundai to address a wider range of customers, especially those who want an electric vehicle for everyday commuting and urban use.
The new model is also part of Hyundai's wider India product expansion, which includes additional SUVs and investment in local manufacturing. The company has highlighted electrification and localisation as important parts of its future strategy.
For Indian buyers, the arrival of another locally manufactured compact EV could increase competition and provide more choices across different price points and battery configurations.
Hyundai's upcoming entry-level electric SUV is shaping up to be an important addition to its India lineup. Internally codenamed HE1i, the model is expected to sit below the Creta Electric, use the E-GMP (K) platform and be manufactured in Tamil Nadu.
Although the vehicle has been linked to the possible name Ioniq P, Hyundai has not officially confirmed its final name. The company has also not released the India-spec battery capacity, certified range, price or retail launch date.
The compact EV is expected to debut by early 2027, with the possibility of an earlier reveal remaining dependent on Hyundai's official announcements. Its eventual success will depend on competitive pricing, practical range, useful features and the ability to stand out among established electric SUVs.
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