Hyundai to launch new India-focused compact electric SUV in early 2027

Hyundai will launch its new compact electric SUV in India in January 2027, following updates to its timeline. The carmaker earlier planned a debut by March 2027 at its 2026 CEO Investor Day, and Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO Tarun Garg told Autocar Professional that it could arrive by the end of 2026.

Platform And Build

Codenamed HE1i, the upcoming compact electric vehicle uses Hyundai's E-GMP (K) platform, which also supports the Inster EV sold abroad. Workers will build this model at Hyundai's plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, as a vehicle made specially for the Indian market.

Battery And Features

Buyers can pick between Standard Range and Long Range versions, though exact numbers are still private. For comparison, the international Inster EV uses 42kWh and 49kWh battery packs with ranges up to 300km and 355km. The compact EV will start with battery cells from Svolt before moving to local cells made with Exide. Hyundai confirms the SUV gets Level 2 ADAS and a new infotainment system. The vehicle will compete against the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV.

Context

Automakers are rapidly expanding their electric vehicle portfolios in India to capture growing consumer demand for eco-friendly personal transport. Launching locally produced models helps companies keep prices competitive in a price-sensitive market.