Hyundai has confirmed a new sub 4 metre electric SUV for India with a market launch targeted for 2027. Announced during Hyundai Investor Day 2025, the project is aimed squarely at India first requirements and will be designed, engineered, and manufactured locally. Internally codenamed HE1i and expected to draw heavily from the Hyundai Inster sold overseas, the model will ride on an affordable derivative of Hyundai’s global E GMP architecture dubbed E GMP K. Here is a complete, structured look at what is known and what buyers can reasonably expect.
Strategy and Positioning: India First Electric Compact SUV
Hyundai Motor Company leadership has stated that the upcoming compact EV is being created for Indian customers first, not as a simple adaptation of a global model. That focus shows up in four ways
- Packaging that respects sub 4 metre norms for taxation and city convenience
- Aggressive localization to manage costs and serviceability
- Feature mixes tuned to Indian climate and use cases
- Charging strategies that work for apartment dwellers and highway users alike
The product intends to meet the core brief that made the Inster interesting abroad while tailoring cost, durability, and feature balance to Indian roads and wallets.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model focus | All electric compact SUV for India based on learnings from the Hyundai Inster |
| Platform | E GMP K with cost optimizations for emerging markets |
| Battery choices | Standard Range and Long Range options planned |
| Indicative outputs from Inster | 97 hp and 147 Nm for Standard, 115 hp and 147 Nm for Long Range |
| Indicative WLTP range from Inster | 300 km Standard, 355 km Long Range |
| Tech highlights | Level 2 ADAS, OTA capable infotainment and telematics, dual 10.25 inch displays expected by variant |
| Localization | Built at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, with localized battery supply in partnership with Exide |
| Target rivals | Tata Punch EV and other sub 4 metre EVs |
| Launch timing | 2027 India launch window confirmed at Investor Day 2025 |
| Official site | https://www.hyundai.com/in/en |
Platform and Engineering: E GMP K
The EV will sit on E GMP K, a cost optimized branch of Hyundai’s dedicated EV toolkit. Expect skateboard advantages such as a flat floor, compact overhangs, and space efficiency that exceeds equivalent ICE crossovers. The architecture should also support future proof electrical and software backbones
- 400 V class system for wide charger compatibility
- Thermal management optimized for Indian summers
- Room to house two battery sizes without major body changes
- Software and electronics domain controllers to enable OTA updates
Expect a front motor layout in baseline variants, with underbody protection tuned for speed breakers and monsoons.
Powertrain and Battery Options
Hyundai has already confirmed two packs for the India model
- Standard Range pack for city heavy users
- Long Range pack for mixed urban highway use
To set expectations, the Euro spec Inster uses 42 kWh and 49 kWh batteries with WLTP ranges of 300 km and 355 km. Power outputs there are 97 hp and 115 hp, both with 147 Nm. The India tune may vary slightly due to drive cycles, weight, tyres, and aero differences, but these figures serve as a realistic ballpark for performance and range.
Charging and Energy Experience
A compact EV succeeds or fails on charging convenience. Anticipate a feature set along these lines
- AC home charging at 7 kW with wallbox and apartment friendly mounting options
- DC fast charging compatibility suitable for 10 to 80 percent top ups within typical coffee break windows
- Pre conditioning for the battery in extreme heat to protect performance and longevity
- Multi level regenerative braking with one pedal compatible tuning for city traffic
Hyundai’s connected app should allow charge scheduling, charge limit setting, and public charger discovery with live status where networks support it.
Interior, Infotainment, and ADAS
Hyundai has confirmed an OTA capable infotainment stack and a Level 2 ADAS suite for the new compact EV. Based on the Inster’s template, expect
- Dual 10.25 inch displays by variant for cluster and touchscreen
- Wireless smartphone integration and multiple USB C ports
- Automatic climate control tuned for Indian summers
- 360 degree camera with blind spot monitor on higher trims
- Level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise, lane centering, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alerts, and driver attention warnings
The cabin will likely embrace light colors and durable textures with smart storage, sliding armrests, and a configurable boot floor. A flat second row floor should aid three across seating on shorter urban trips.
Localization and Manufacturing
The compact EV will be built at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. Battery localization is set to be a key lever, with Exide slated to supply localized packs and modules. Greater local content in power electronics, wiring harnesses, seats, glass, and tyres should further stabilize costs and ensure faster parts availability. This is crucial for keeping total cost of ownership credible next to well entrenched ICE and CNG rivals.
Rivals and Market Context
Primary competition will be the Tata Punch EV, with secondary pressure from future compact EVs by other brands. The buying decision in this segment tends to pivot on
- Real world range with AC on
- Warranty on battery and power electronics
- DC fast charging speeds and network reach on key corridors
- Feature value at entry and mid trims rather than only at the top end
- Service network capability for EV specific diagnostics
Hyundai’s strengths in perceived quality, connected features, and dealer coverage will be tested against Tata’s head start in compact EVs and cost discipline.
Variants, Warranty, and Ownership Expectations
Look for a familiar Hyundai variant ladder that spreads range and features logically
- Base and mid trims with the Standard pack for value seekers
- Mid and top trims with the Long Range pack for flexibility
- Extended battery warranty likely in the 8 year and 1.6 lakh km zone
- RSA and home charger installation support bundled at booking or delivery
Interior options could include contrasting roof colors and textured seat fabrics that tolerate heat and dust. Expect accessory packs for dash cams, all weather mats, and boot liners.
Launch Timeline and Pricing View
The company has marked 2027 for market launch. Pricing will depend on battery imports versus local content, incentives prevailing then, and competition. A sensible expectation is a spread that overlaps premium ICE sub 4 metre crossovers at the lower end and stretches into upper trims that rival larger entry EVs by feature count. The Long Range versions will command a premium but should carry stronger resale.
Buyer Checklist To Prepare
- Assess daily round trip and availability of a private 15 A socket or wallbox
- Confirm society rules for EV charging and meter sharing
- Compare insurance for EV specific parts and roadside coverage
- Prioritize trims that bundle safety and charging hardware rather than chasing non essential cosmetics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will Hyundai’s made in India compact EV launch
A. Hyundai has confirmed a 2027 India launch window.
Q2. What platform will it use
A. An affordable branch of Hyundai’s dedicated EV toolkit called E GMP K.
Q3. Will there be more than one battery size
A. Yes. Standard Range and Long Range battery options are planned.
Q4. What features are confirmed so far
A. Level 2 ADAS and an OTA capable infotainment and telematics stack are confirmed. Expect dual 10.25 inch displays, auto climate, 360 camera with blind spot view on higher trims.
Q5. Where will it be made and what about localization
A. Production will be at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, with localized batteries in partnership with Exide and high local content to control costs.
Official Site
- Hyundai India: https://www.hyundai.com/in/en
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