The latest spy images of the upcoming Hyundai HE1i have been shared on X by Auto Intel India on their page. In these images, we can note that two fully camouflaged HE1i electric sub-compact SUVs were driving on the road. One of the test mules was equipped with a set of alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the other was seen with smaller steel wheels.
Now coming to the details of the Hyundai HE1i electric sub-compact SUV. The company first announced it at the company’s Investor Day 2025. And recently, the company has now officially confirmed it as part of Hyundai’s India product strategy. The company has said that the new compact electric SUV will be designed and localised in India and is expected to debut by March 2027.
The SUV is expected to be a sub-4-metre model and will sit below the Creta Electric in Hyundai’s lineup. This will give the company a new product for buyers who want an electric SUV but do not want to spend as much as the Creta Electric.
Unlike an electric version of an existing petrol SUV, the HE1i will be a born-electric vehicle. It will be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) platform. This same platform also underpins the Inster EV, which is sold in the international markets. The SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu.
The use of a dedicated EV platform will help Hyundai in optimizing the battery, electric motor and cabin packaging around an electric powertrain. What’s more important is that the high level of localisation will help Hyundai control production costs. The company is also expected to use localised battery packs which have been sourced through Exide. This could help it in keeping the final price competitive.
Hyundai has confirmed that the new HE1i EV will be offered in standard-range and long-range versions. However, the company has not yet revealed the exact battery capacity or range figures for the India-spec model.
Like the Hyundai Inster, the HE1i is also expected to become available with a 42 kWh battery that offers around 300 km of WLTP-claimed range. Along with a 49 kWh long-range version which could offer around 355 km. Reports have suggested that the HE1i could also use similar battery capacities. However, the actual figures will be revealed in the coming period.
On the inside, the HE1i is expected to get a feature-rich cabin despite its compact dimensions. Hyundai has confirmed that the SUV will get a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted driving technology.
The exact infotainment system has not been revealed yet. However, it could be Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect system, which is also expected to be introduced with the upcoming third-generation Creta. It is also expected to get a Level 2 ADAS package, which should make the HE1i one of the more technologically advanced models in its segment.
The upcoming Hyundai EV will enter one of the most competitive parts of India’s electric car market. It is expected to rival the Tata Nexon.ev, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV. So, to make sure it remains competitive, Hyundai will have to offer competitive pricing to make the HE1i successful against these models.
It has been noted that the company has an advantage here because the SUV will be designed and manufactured in India. Meanwhile, the battery and other components are also expected to be localised. This could allow Hyundai to price the HE1i more aggressively.
The biggest reason behind Hyundai developing a smaller EV is the growing demand for more affordable electric cars in India. The company already has the Creta Electric. However, it is positioned in a higher price segment. The HE1i will help Hyundai to reach buyers who are looking for their first electric car and want a compact SUV.
Hyundai also expects electrified vehicles to account for 50 percent of its India sales by 2030. At present, the company’s EV lineup consists of the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5. So, the HE1i will play an important role in expanding Hyundai’s electric vehicle sales. It will also make the brand into a more accessible segment.