Khyati Sharma 2026-11-04
Hyundai cars appears to be preparing another addition to its electric vehicle portfolio in India. The company has trademarked the name ‘Ioniq P’ in the country, fuelling speculation that it could be used for an upcoming compact electric SUV. The model is expected to target the growing affordable electric SUV segment.
However, a trademark registration or application does not automatically mean that a vehicle will be launched with that name. Automakers often register multiple names during product development, and some never reach production.
What makes this development more interesting is Hyundai Motor Company's third-quarter 2026 earnings conference call. During the discussion of its future product plans on October 29, Hyundai management mentioned the Ioniq P as an upcoming India-market product after the Bayon.
There is still an important distinction: Hyundai Motor India has not officially confirmed that the HE1i project will carry the Ioniq P name. Nevertheless, the trademark and management's comments strongly suggest that the name is being considered for the company's upcoming affordable EV.
The upcoming electric SUV is internally known by the codename HE1i. It is being developed as a compact, mass-market electric vehicle for India and is expected to sit below the Creta Electric in Hyundai's EV portfolio.
The new model is expected to have a sub-four-metre footprint, making it suitable for buyers looking for a relatively compact electric SUV for city use.
Spy images of test vehicles have indicated a boxy and upright design. The overall styling is expected to give it a stronger SUV appearance rather than looking like a conventional small hatchback.
Some expected exterior highlights include:
Upright front-end styling.
Slim LED lighting elements.
Hyundai's Parametric Pixel-inspired lighting details.
Flush-fitting door handles.
Roof rails.
Aerodynamically designed alloy wheels.
Distinctive rear lighting.
These details are based on reports and spy images. The final India-spec design has not yet been officially revealed.
The upcoming Hyundai EV is expected to use the E-GMP (K) platform, which is also used by the internationally available Hyundai Inster electric car.
This platform is designed specifically for electric vehicles and supports a compact battery-powered vehicle layout.
Hyundai is expected to offer the new electric SUV with two battery options:
Standard Range version for everyday city driving.
Long Range version for customers who need more driving distance.
The exact battery capacities, motor output and India-specific driving range have not been officially announced.
For international context, the Hyundai Inster is available with 42kWh and 49kWh battery packs. However, these figures should not be treated as confirmed specifications for the India-focused Ioniq P.
Some reports have suggested that the upcoming Hyundai EV could offer a claimed range of up to 500km. This remains an expectation rather than a confirmed India-spec figure.
Battery sourcing is an important part of Hyundai's strategy for its upcoming affordable electric vehicle.
The company had planned to source locally manufactured battery cells through its partnership with Exide Industries. However, supplies under the Hyundai-Kia programme are not expected to begin during 2026.
As a result, the upcoming EV is expected to initially use imported battery cells, with local sourcing planned at a later stage.
Local battery production could help Hyundai manage costs, improve supply-chain control and increase localisation as production volumes grow.
The company is also working towards increasing the local content of its vehicles in India. This is particularly important in the mass-market EV segment, where pricing plays a major role in purchase decisions.
Hyundai has not revealed the production-spec interior of the upcoming compact EV. However, the company has indicated that the vehicle will receive a next-generation infotainment system.
The system could be based on Hyundai's newer Pleos Connect technology, although the final equipment list has not been announced.
Based on current reports and expectations, the possible equipment package could include:
Digital instrument display.
Large touchscreen infotainment system.
Connected-car technology.
Wireless smartphone connectivity.
Automatic climate control.
Wireless phone charging.
Sunroof, depending on variant.
Rear parking camera and sensors.
The company has also confirmed that the upcoming mass-market EV will feature Level 2 ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
These technologies can support functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane assistance and other driver-support features, depending on the final system and variant.
The final list of features will be confirmed closer to the launch.
Hyundai's upcoming compact electric SUV is expected to make its Indian debut in January 2027, within the first quarter of 2027.
The model was earlier expected to arrive by the end of 2026, but the timeline has reportedly moved to early 2027.
The vehicle is expected to be manufactured at Hyundai's Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. Local production will be important for positioning it in the more affordable electric SUV category.
Hyundai has not yet announced the exact launch date, booking schedule or variant details.
Hyundai already sells electric vehicles such as the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5 in India. However, the company needs a more affordable product to reach a wider group of customers.
The compact electric SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive, with Indian and international manufacturers introducing new electric models.
The Ioniq P could help Hyundai enter a more accessible price category while extending its global Ioniq electric vehicle identity to a wider audience.
A locally manufactured vehicle with two battery options, modern infotainment and Level 2 ADAS could attract buyers looking for a feature-rich electric SUV.
Pricing will be particularly important. Hyundai will need to offer a competitive package in terms of range, charging capability, equipment and ownership costs to compete with established EV manufacturers.
The upcoming model could also support Hyundai's longer-term ambition of increasing electric vehicle sales in India.
The Hyundai Ioniq P trademark development is an important update for India's electric vehicle market. Hyundai management has mentioned the Ioniq P name during its product planning discussion, while the company is preparing a compact electric SUV internally known as HE1i.
The upcoming model is expected to feature two battery options, a modern infotainment system and Level 2 ADAS. It is also expected to be manufactured in Tamil Nadu, with an India debut anticipated in January 2027.
However, buyers should wait for Hyundai's official announcement before treating the name, battery capacities, range and pricing as final.
If Hyundai manages to offer competitive pricing and practical driving range, the upcoming electric SUV could become an important product in the affordable EV segment.
