Hyundai HE1i Compact Electric SUV Expected Price, Specifications and Features

Hyundai Motor India is preparing to enter the more affordable electric vehicle segment with a new compact electric SUV, internally codenamed HE1i. The model has been spotted undergoing testing in India and is being developed specifically for the domestic market. Hyundai has confirmed that the new EV will be designed and localised in India, with the launch planned by March 2027. An exact launch date has not yet been announced.

The upcoming electric SUV was first announced during Hyundai Motor India's 2025 Investor Day and was subsequently detailed further at Hyundai Motor Company's 2026 CEO Investor Day. It will be a born-electric model based on the E-GMP (K) platform and will be manufactured at Hyundai's Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. The vehicle will use locally sourced batteries supplied by Exide, supporting Hyundai's broader localisation strategy in India. Lexus ES 350h Price in India, Specifications and Features Revealed.

Hyundai HE1i Expected Specifications and Features

Hyundai has not yet revealed the complete specifications of the HE1i. However, the company has confirmed that the electric SUV will be offered in Standard Range and Long Range versions. Exact battery capacities, motor specifications and driving-range figures for the India-spec model have not been disclosed.

For reference, the international Hyundai Inster, which also uses the E-GMP (K) architecture, is offered with 42kWh and 49kWh battery options, with claimed WLTP ranges of 300km and 355km, respectively. These specifications should not be treated as confirmed figures for the Indian HE1i.

Hyundai has confirmed that the India-bound compact EV will feature a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted-driving technology. Other equipment is expected to include modern connectivity and convenience features, although Hyundai has not yet disclosed the complete feature list. The Pleos Connect infotainment system, dual 10.25-inch displays and a 360-degree camera have been reported as possibilities based partly on the international Inster, but they are not confirmed for the India-spec HE1i.

Similarly, specifications such as the exact dimensions, battery chemistry, charging capability, vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) functionality and ARAI-certified range remain unconfirmed. These details should be disclosed closer to the vehicle's launch.

Hyundai HE1i Positioning and Rivals

The new compact electric SUV will expand Hyundai's EV portfolio below the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5, giving the company a presence in a more accessible segment of India's electric-car market. It is expected to compete with models such as the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV.

Hyundai has not announced the HE1i's price. Industry estimates are expected to place the model in the mass-market electric SUV segment, but the previously cited INR 10 lakh to INR 12 lakh starting price remains speculative and should not be presented as an expected official price until Hyundai provides further details.

Hyundai India EV Strategy

The HE1i forms part of Hyundai's wider product expansion strategy for India. At its 2025 Investor Day, Hyundai Motor India announced plans for 26 product launches by FY2030, including seven new nameplates, and confirmed plans for India's first locally manufactured dedicated electric SUV by 2027.

Hyundai has also stated that it expects electrified vehicles to account for more than 50% of its India sales by FY2030. The company's 2026 CEO Investor Day further confirmed that an all-new A-segment SUV EV for India is among its upcoming products, with Hyundai aiming to launch the new compact EV by March 2027.

The HE1i could therefore become an important model in Hyundai's strategy to broaden its electric vehicle portfolio and make locally produced EVs accessible to a wider range of Indian buyers. Upcoming Car Launches in September 2026: From Kia Sorento and Maruti Baleno Facelift to BMW 7 Series, Check Details of All Models Here.

Hyundai HE1i: Key Facts at a Glance

• Codename: HE1i

• Body style: Compact electric SUV

• Development: Designed and localised for India

• Platform: E-GMP (K)

• Manufacturing: Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

• Battery options: Standard Range and Long Range

• Battery supplier: Exide, through Hyundai's localisation programme

• Infotainment: Next-generation system confirmed

• ADAS: Level 2 assisted-driving technology confirmed

• Launch timeline: By March 2027

• Exact launch date: Not announced

• Price: Not announced

• Expected rivals: Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV

Note: Battery capacity, range, motor output, charging specifications, dimensions, exact feature list and pricing for the India-spec Hyundai HE1i have not been officially announced. Figures based on the Hyundai Inster or industry speculation should therefore not be treated as confirmed specifications

Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).