Hyundai is finally going after India's cheap EV crowd. The company trademarked the Ioniq P name here and mentioned it on its Q3 2026 earnings call (29 October) as the next product after the Bayon. But here's the catch: Hyundai has NOT officially confirmed that Ioniq P is the name of the sub-4m EV (codename HE1i), nor has it shared price, battery or range. So treat everything below as expected, not fixed.
Ioniq P: What's actually confirmed so far?
Start with what's solid. Hyundai has trademarked 'Ioniq P' in India, and management named the Ioniq P on its 29 October 2026 earnings call as the next launch after the Bayon. That's the strongest hint yet that the Ioniq global EV badge is coming to a mass-market price. But Hyundai did NOT directly link the Ioniq P name to the HE1i project, and it has not announced a price, battery size, or sales target. The launch is expected in early 2027 (Q1), with a possible debut around the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo (4-9 February 2027). Just remember: 'expected', not 'official'.
Design & platform: boxy SUV on a battery-powered base
Spy shots show an upright, boxy shape with a tall roofline and a flat bonnet. That squared-off body usually means more cabin space within a small footprint, which is important when the car has to stay under 4 metres for India's tax breaks. It will be built on the E-GMP (K) platform, the same born-electric base (built only for EVs, not a converted petrol car) that sits under the global Hyundai Inster. A dedicated EV platform lets engineers package the battery flat under the floor for a roomier cabin. The test cars wear heavy camouflage, so the final headlamps, dimensions and styling are still under wraps.
Battery & range: two packs expected, imported cells first
Hyundai is expected to offer two versions: Standard Range and Long Range. For reference only, the global Inster EV uses 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery packs (kWh is the battery size) with a claimed WLTP range of up to 355 km. Do not read those as India figures: Hyundai has shared nothing on the India-spec battery, range or charging speed. Early cars will use imported battery cells. Hyundai's tie-up with Exide for locally made cells won't supply this year, so local sourcing starts later in 2027. Heavy localisation (Hyundai is pushing for about 92% local content, up from around 81%) is the big lever that could keep prices sharp.
Features: Level 2 ADAS and new infotainment confirmed
Hyundai has confirmed that the HE1i will get Level 2 ADAS (safety tech that can brake, hold a lane and keep distance on its own) and a next-generation infotainment system. That screen could be Hyundai's new Pleos Connect setup, which is also tipped for the next-gen Creta, though Hyundai hasn't confirmed it for this EV. Expect features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and auto emergency braking on higher trims. Likely extras: ventilated and powered front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air (OTA) software updates and auto AC. All of this is 'likely', not locked in, and the price is still a blank.
Rivals: how the Ioniq P could slot in against Tata Punch EV
This EV sits below the Creta Electric and takes direct aim at the Tata Punch EV, priced at ₹9.69-12.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The wider rival set is the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV. The Ioniq P's trump card could be the globally respected Ioniq badge plus a proper born-electric platform, something the Nexon EV and XUV 3XO EV (both based on petrol platforms) can't claim. The catch is price. With imported cells at launch, Hyundai will struggle to undercut Tata on cost right away. If Hyundai can price it close to the Punch EV while offering a longer real-world range, it will have a strong case.
References: Hyundai India — official website
