Hyundai is preparing to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in India with a new compact electric SUV, which is expected to make its market debut by the end of 2026. The India-specific EV is being developed and localised for the Indian market and will be positioned below the Hyundai Creta Electric.

The upcoming model, internally known as HE1i, is expected to target the growing affordable electric SUV segment. Hyundai CEO and Managing Director Tarun Garg has now indicated that the launch could happen earlier than the previously announced March 2027 timeline, with the company targeting the end of 2026.

Hyundai Compact EV: What We Know So Far

The new electric SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai's Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. It will be based on Hyundai's E-GMP (K) platform, the same architecture used by the Hyundai Inster in international markets.

The compact EV is expected to be offered in standard-range and long-range versions, although Hyundai has not yet revealed the final battery capacities, motor specifications or official driving range for the India-spec model.

Battery Cells to Initially Come From Svolt

One of the latest developments concerns battery sourcing. Hyundai has confirmed that the new EV will initially use battery cells supplied by Svolt. The company plans to eventually transition to locally produced cells through its association with Exide, following production delays related to the original sourcing plan.

This approach could allow Hyundai to keep the launch programme on schedule while continuing to work toward higher levels of local sourcing.

Next-Generation Technology and Level 2 ADAS

Technology is expected to be one of the key highlights of Hyundai's upcoming compact EV. The company has confirmed that the model will feature a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted-driving technology.

The exact list of ADAS functions and infotainment features has not yet been disclosed. Hyundai's existing EV portfolio already includes advanced connected technology and driver-assistance features, suggesting the new compact model could bring several premium features to a smaller segment.

Expected Rivals

The upcoming Hyundai EV will enter a highly competitive compact electric SUV market. Its expected rivals include the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV.

With local manufacturing and India-focused development, Hyundai is expected to focus strongly on pricing, equipment and range to compete with these models.

Hyundai Compact EV: Key Details

Range and Price Still Under Wraps

Hyundai has not officially announced the battery capacity, power output, charging time, range or pricing of the India-spec compact EV. Therefore, figures circulating around the expected battery size, range and price should be treated as unconfirmed until Hyundai releases the official specifications.

For reference, the international Hyundai Inster is available with standard- and long-range battery options, but its specifications should not automatically be considered applicable to the India-spec HE1i.

Hyundai's EV Strategy in India

The new compact EV will play an important role in Hyundai's strategy to increase electric vehicle adoption in India. The company currently sells the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5 in the Indian market, and its new compact model will allow Hyundai to reach a wider customer base.

Hyundai expects EVs to account for more than 7% of its domestic sales within the next year, compared with around 1% in FY2026.

With a smaller footprint, India-specific localisation, advanced technology and an expected late-2026 launch, the new Hyundai compact EV could become one of the company's most important electric models for the Indian market.