The South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motors’ Indian subsidiary Hyundai Motor India Limited made a very important announcement regarding its EV manufacturing in India. During an event, the company’s MD and CEO, Tarun Garg, reaffirmed that they are all set to make Tamil Nadu an EV manufacturing hub of India with the investment of ₹26,000 crore between 2023 and 2032.
While taking part in the event, Garg also mentioned launching two EVs in the Indian market from the Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. The one among them is set to be a mass-market sub-4-metre sport utility vehicle, and the details about the other one are still pending. Notably, the sub-4-metre all-electric SUV has been spotted testing multiple times on Indian public roads; however, every single time it was highly camouflaged.
Reportedly, it is internally codenamed as HE1i, whose launch is anticipated in the Indian market, most probably by late 2026, with the price around 12 to 15 lakh. It is set to be built on the E-GMP (K) platform and to be based on its sibling, the Hyundai Inster EV, that is already available for sale globally. It may be introduced with two LFP battery packs that are 42 kWh and 49 kWh. Reportedly, the carmaker will source it locally.
The Exide Energy Solution may be the company that will provide the battery packs; it will certainly help the manufacturer to stay competitive in the segment. Notably, as of now, the company is sourcing 82% of the requirement for manufacturing from the local marksheet, and they have planned to increase it to 90% in the next five years to ensure competitiveness in the Indian market in all segments.
Thanks to localisation, the upcoming compact (sub-4-metre) all-electric SUV in India is all set to give tough competition to Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and other EVs under the ₹15 lakh segment. Reports suggest that with the larger battery pack, the vehicle is anticipated to run up to 300 kilometres on every single full charge in ideal condition.
The electrical architecture of the HE1i is expected to be 400 volts, which may support a DC charger up to 80 kW to help the battery pack charge from 10 to 80 per cent within 30 minutes. Its exterior and design are set to be revealed with its unveiling, which may take place a few weeks before the launch.
Most likely to be introduced with a single permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle featuring a front-wheel-drive drivetrain and single-speed automatic transmission. Expected to take time of under 6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h, and the top may go up to 150 km/h.
Being a compact EV, it will feature a seating capacity of 5 people, and boot space is anticipated to be around 350 litres. The interior is likely to be equipped with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster under the three-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard.
It is set to support wireless connectivity via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth for video streaming and playing songs. May also get an AI-based voice assistant that may do touch-based functions over the voice command, and it is certain to be equipped with over-the-air software updates for the latest infotainment updates.
The cabin is set to get separate AC vents for the second row to ensure cooling and heating of passengers depending on weather. Other expected features are six airbags, ABS with EBD, an advanced driving assistant system, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESP, a 360° camera, hill-hold assist, and a parking sensor.
Md Alquama Alam is a Senior Writer at EVCarNews with over 5 years of dedicated experience in electric vehicle journalism. A graduate of Gaya College, Bihar, he is associated with Nyxweb Pvt. Ltd. and specializes in EV launches, industry analysis, and emerging mobility trends. His reporting is grounded in thorough research and a commitment to factual, reader-first content that helps consumers and enthusiasts make informed decisions about the future of electric mobility.