The EV segment is filled with outstanding performances from Punch EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and the Kia Syros EV. Hyundai India has confirmed a new compact electric SUV to join them with brand new design and 42 kWh battery, codenamed HE1i, is arriving this financial year.
Over the past couple of years, the electric segment has taken over space in showrooms which is hard to ignore. But premium electric crossovers are hard to get for most of the buyers, they want an affordable & reliable compact electric SUV from a brand they already trust.
The SUV will be made for India, sub-4-metre, and backed by AC and highway DC chargers plus a dedicated charging app. The HE1i is expected to borrow design cues from the Inster EV sold in global markets, with India-specific changes. A test mule was spotted on Indian roads in late September 2026, and Hyundai has not announced pricing.
The launch timing is still unconfirmed, but expect to arrive in FY2026-27. Get more details from the new Hyundai’s compact electric SUV.
HE1i Expected Features & Specs: Battery, Range and Charging
For most Indians buying a car is an emotion and a vehicle for family road trips, the daily battle armor against chaotic office traffic, and a proud parking spot accomplishment.
The HE1i is expected to arrive in Standard Range and Long Range variants, with the international-spec Inster offering another reference point. The India-specific HE1i could use the Kia Syros EV’s 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery pack. The Syros EV Standard Range claims a driving range of 443 km on a single charge, HE1i is expected to deliver up to 355 km of range. The Standard Range version produces 97 hp and the Long Range variant increases power to 115 hp with the same torque.
A 100 kW DC fast charging is expected, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 39 minutes. Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake and multiple airbags are also expected. A Level 2 ADAS suite at this price would be a real differentiator, but it remains unconfirmed.
Hyundai is preparing to shake up the mass-market EV space with its upcoming compact electric SUV. Since this EV leverages dedicated EV architecture tailored for maximum efficiency and interior room.
The design is specifically prepared for Indian style and roads. Expect an upright stance, high ground clearance, skid plates, and robust body cladding designed to handle monsoon potholes and unexpected speed breakers.
Taking cues from Hyundai’s global EV lineup, expect futuristic pixelated LED DRLs and bold light bars that give it an unmistakable street presence. It will offer more legroom and elbow room and connectivity support with intuitive Android Automotive-based software. So expect a comfort and smoother driving experience.
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Price Expectations For the Compact Electric SUV
Estimates cluster around Rs 10 lakh at the entry end. Expects Rs 10-16 lakh ex-showroom for Hyundai’s compact electric SUV. That spread is wide enough to put the top trim near Nexon EV territory, so the real question is how Hyundai prices the 49 kWh-class variant, not the base car.
HE1i vs Tata Punch EV vs Nexon EV
Until now, manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra have dominated the affordable and mid-tier electric SUV market segment. Now Hyundai’s tuning philosophy fits urban commuting conditions seamlessly.
| HE1i (expected) | Tata Punch EV | Tata Nexon EV | |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 10-16 lakh (estimate) | Rs 9.69-12.59 lakh | Rs 12.49-17.69 lakh |
| Battery | 42 / 45 kWh | 30 / 40 kWh | 30 / 45 kWh |
| Claimed range | 400 km | 468 km ARAI (40 kWh) | 489 km MIDC (45 kWh) |
The Punch EV is the number to beat. Tata itself quotes 335-355 km of real-world range for the 40 kWh car, so a Hyundai that delivers an honest 350 km with better features would be a credible rival. Tata also offers a battery-as-a-service plan that cuts the effective starting price to Rs 9.49 lakh, plus Rs 2.6 per km in battery rental. Hyundai will have to answer that with either a lower sticker price or a stronger warranty.
For context, the car above it in Hyundai’s range launched at Rs 17.99 lakh ex-showroom as the Creta Electric, so the HE1i has room to sit well below it.
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Conclusion
There’s no confirmed date or price, and the Punch EV facelift is available now. But it’s worth holding off if you want a Hyundai badge, the service network, and a likely feature-heavy cabin at under Rs 15 lakh.
Wait for the HE1i’s official battery and range numbers, because it could land between them on both price and range. Compare real-world range claims, and most importantly, ask the total price from your dealer before buying this brand new compact electric SUV.
