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Hyundai is planning to introduce a new compact electric SUV in India to compete with the Tata Punch EV. Designed and developed specifically for Indian customers, the Made-in-India EV is expected to launch by 2027.
Hyundai’s Made-in-India Small EV Likely by 2027
New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India is preparing to strengthen its foothold in the Indian electric vehicle market. The company is working on a plan to introduce a new small electric car that will directly compete with the Tata Punch EV. Hyundai shared important details about this new electric car during its Investor Day 2025.
According to the company, this upcoming electric car will be designed and developed in India specifically for Indian customers. This means it will be a completely made-in-India EV. This car is reportedly codenamed HE1i and will be manufactured at the Hyundai plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. It is expected to use batteries from Exide.
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Hyundai sells this car globally under the name Inster, and the upcoming model in India may also be based on the same platform. The global Hyundai Inster measures 3825mm in length, 1610mm in width, and 1575mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2580mm. The India-spec EV is expected to be of similar dimensions, giving it a strong foothold in the compact SUV segment.
Hyundai has confirmed that this compact electric SUV will be offered with two battery pack options—Standard Range and Long Range. In Europe, the Inster EV comes with 42kWh and 49kWh battery options. The standard version has a range of approximately 300 kilometers, while the Long Range version has a range of 355 kilometers. Power output could range from 97bhp to 115bhp.
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This EV could also be quite powerful in terms of features. It is expected to feature two 10.25-inch digital screens, an infotainment system with OTA updates, Level-2 ADAS, in-car connectivity, auto climate control, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, and multiple airbags. Fully folding seats and slide-reclining rear seats are also expected.
Upon launch, this new Hyundai electric car will compete directly with the Tata Punch EV. It is expected to be launched in the Indian market by 2027 and will further intensify competition in the compact electric SUV segment.
