TL;DR
Hyundai's affordable compact electric SUV, codenamed HE1i, is now expected to launch in India by the end of 2026, featuring high localization and advanced technology.
Hyundai is advancing the launch of its highly anticipated affordable compact electric SUV, codenamed HE1i, in India, now expected by the end of 2026. Initially slated for March 2027, rapid development has moved the debut forward. This made-in-India EV will be designed to compete in the country's burgeoning mainstream electric SUV segment, rivaling models like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
The upcoming electric SUV will be built on Hyundai's E-GMP (K) architecture, an adapted version of its global electric platform that also underpins the international Inster EV. Production is planned for Hyundai's Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu, with significant localization efforts. While the company initially intended to use locally produced Exide battery cells, delays in Exide's program mean the first batch of HE1i EVs will utilize Svolt battery cells, with a switch to Exide planned once local production is stable.
Hyundai intends for the HE1i to be a feature-rich offering, not a budget model, confirming a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted driving technology. It will be available in Standard Range and Long Range versions, with the international Inster offering up to 355 km (WLTP) of range, though India-specific figures are yet to be revealed.
