Hyundai Motor India will launch a new small electric SUV in late 2026. This move is to compete with Tata Motors in the electric vehicle market.
After launching the Creta EV in early 2025, Hyundai will introduce the new compact SUV, code-named HE1i, in the second half of 2026. The HE1i will be similar to the Inster EV shown at the Busan Auto Show in South Korea. The Inster is based on the Casper and is slightly longer to fit a bigger battery.
The HE1i will be made in Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur factory with local batteries from Exide. It will have two motor options: 97hp and 115hp, and two battery packs: 42kWh and 49kWh, with ranges of 300km and 355km respectively. The SUV will have many features, like dual 10.25-inch screens, ADAS, climate control, and a 360-degree camera.
Hyundai aims to produce about 90,000 electric vehicles annually, including the Creta EV and the HE1i, with some units for export. Hyundai is investing Rs 20,000 crore in developing electric vehicles in India over the next eight years and plans to launch four new EVs, including the Creta EV, by the end of fiscal 2025.
Hyundai is also considering electric versions of the Venue and Grand i10 Nios. The company believes its experience with different types of electric vehicles will help in the Indian market.
Tata Motors, currently leading the Indian EV market with a 75% share, sells about 75,000 EVs annually and is also expanding its lineup. With Hyundai entering the market, there will be increased competition, potentially reshaping the Indian EV market.
