Are you thinking of buying a compact electric SUV? You might want to wait a few months. Hyundai has lined up a brand-new, made-in-India EV called the HE1i, and it's expected to arrive in January 2027. It's a sub-4-metre SUV built from the ground up as an electric car, which usually means more cabin space and a cleaner design. Here's everything we know and what's still under wraps.
What is the Hyundai HE1i and when does it launch?
The Hyundai HE1i is a compact electric SUV made specially for India. It is under 4 metres long, which keeps it in the same size class as the Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza. The launch timing has moved around a bit. Hyundai first talked about a March 2027 arrival, then hinted it could come by end-2026, and the latest word points to a January 2027 debut, likely at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. This is not a vague festive guess, it's a fairly firm window. The HE1i is part of Hyundai's bigger plan to launch 26 new models in India by 2030.
Design: a ground-up EV built in India
The HE1i rides on Hyundai's E-GMP (K) platform, the same base that underpins the Inster EV sold abroad. Because it's a dedicated EV and not a petrol car turned electric, Hyundai should be able to give it a roomier cabin and a flat floor. It will be built at Hyundai's Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu, fully designed and made in India. Spy shots so far have been camouflaged, so the final look isn't clear yet. Expect Hyundai's typical sharp LED lighting and a clean, modern face when it's revealed.
Battery, range and charging: what we know vs what's hidden
Here's where you need patience, because the exact numbers are not official yet. Hyundai has confirmed two versions: Standard Range and Long Range. For a rough idea, the overseas Inster EV uses 42kWh and 49kWh battery packs (kWh is the battery size), with claimed WLTP ranges of up to 300km and 355km. The India car could differ. A realistic driving range usually lands around 70% of the claimed figure, so plan for less on highways and in summer heat with the AC on. On charging, a test car was spotted near a 120kW DC fast charger, and the HE1i could support more than 60kW DC fast charging. Treat all of this as expected, not confirmed. The battery cells will start out from Svolt, then shift to locally-made Exide cells once production settles, which should help keep prices down.
Features and safety: Level 2 ADAS and Pleos Connect confirmed
This is one area Hyundai has actually confirmed. The HE1i gets Level 2 ADAS (a safety tech that can brake and steer for you in traffic) and a next-generation infotainment system, likely Hyundai's Pleos Connect connected-car software. Based on the global Inster, it could also get twin 10.25-inch screens, automatic climate control and a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring. A panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats are expected on higher trims. Just remember, which of these makes it to the India car is still unconfirmed.
Expected price: how it stacks up against the Nexon EV
Hyundai hasn't announced prices yet. Our read puts the top variant under ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), while some estimates suggest a sharper ₹12–17.5 lakh on-road band depending on battery size. For context, the Tata Nexon EV sells for ₹14.50–19.50 lakh. If Hyundai pitches the loaded HE1i a bit higher than that, it'll be banking on the ADAS tech, premium cabin and brand pull to justify it. The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV are the other direct rivals. Remember, ex-showroom price excludes road tax, registration and insurance, and it also leaves out the home charger and its installation.
Running costs: the EV math for Indian buyers
This is where an EV saves you money. Charging at home costs roughly ₹1–1.5 per km, against ₹6–9 per km for a petrol SUV. That's 5 to 7 times cheaper to run. Drive about 1,200 km a month, and you could save ₹6,000–8,000 every month on fuel alone. On subsidies, be clear-eyed: there is no central cash subsidy on electric cars. Some states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Gujarat offer road-tax or registration waivers, but these differ, so check your RTO. Hyundai is expected to offer a strong battery warranty, with the related Kia Syros EV getting a lifetime battery warranty.
Should you wait for the HE1i or buy a Nexon EV now?
If you can hold off two to three months, the HE1i looks like the smarter, more feature-rich bet. Our Expert Take flags it as worth waiting for if you're eyeing an EV under ₹25 lakh, thanks to heavy local manufacturing, Exide cells, Level 2 ADAS and Hyundai's reliability. But there's an honest catch: nearly every spec (battery, range, charging speed, even final price) is still unofficial, and launch dates can slip. If you need a car right now or want a proven option, the Tata Nexon EV at ₹14.50–19.50 lakh already does the job well. If you want the latest tech and don't mind waiting, the HE1i fits the bill for buyers who prioritise features and future-proofing.
References: Hyundai India — official website
