Hyundai HE1i Spotted Testing: New Electric SUV With 500+ Km Range Coming to India
Hyundai's new HE1i electric SUV has been spotted testing in India. Here are the latest details about its design, 500+ km range, features, expected price and launch timeline.
September 29, 2026: Hyundai is set to bring another new model to the Indian electric vehicle market. Earlier this month, the company confirmed plans to bring a new compact electric SUV to India. This time, the test version of the car has been spotted on the road. Codenamed HE1i, this electric SUV is being built on Hyundai's new dedicated electric vehicle platform.
The spy shots give an idea of the car's design as well as some of its important features. The car can be seen with a boxy design, a high stance and influences from Hyundai's recent international electric models. The new model is particularly similar to the design philosophy of cars like the Hyundai Inster.
Boxy Design and High Stance
Although the test car is covered in heavy camouflage, several details about its basic design are visible. The side profile has a boxy shape and a high roofline. As a result, the cabin is likely to offer relatively more space. The spy shots show a shark-fin antenna, large alloy wheels and uniquely designed aero wheel covers. There are also long roof rails. Overall, the car is likely to have an eye-catching road presence.
The front section shows the influence of Hyundai's new design language. There are LED DRLs at the top, while dual-pod LED headlamps could be placed on the lower bumper. This type of split-headlamp design has also been seen recently on models such as the Hyundai Venue and Verna. As a result, Hyundai is believed to be using a similar design philosophy for the new compact electric SUV.
Sunroof and ADAS Confirmed
The spy shots have confirmed that the new Hyundai electric SUV will have a sunroof. In addition, the Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS, will also be part of the car's feature list. Various driver-assistance features could be available through ADAS. However, Hyundai has not yet revealed the complete ADAS feature list for this model.
Multiple Premium Features Likely
Like other modern Hyundai models, the new EV SUV is likely to have a technology-focused cabin. Expected features include a digital instrument cluster and a dual-screen setup for the touchscreen infotainment system. It could also get ventilated front and rear seats, multiple wireless phone chargers, connected-car technology, dual-zone climate control, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In terms of safety, the SUV is expected to have multiple airbags and various active safety technologies in addition to ADAS. However, Hyundai has not yet revealed the complete list of safety and convenience features.
Two Battery Options
Hyundai had earlier said that the HE1i will be available with two battery options. According to the company's claims, the new electric SUV could offer a range of more than 500 km on a single charge. The car will also feature DC fast charging technology, which could reduce charging times during long-distance journeys.
Another important factor is the level of localisation of the car. Hyundai is planning to use a high percentage of locally sourced components in the new model. As a result, if production costs can be controlled, the SUV could be competitively priced in the Indian market.
Launch Likely by the End of the Year
Hyundai's new compact electric SUV is expected to be launched in India by the end of this year. The car will be positioned below the Creta Electric. The expected price could be around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, ex-showroom. However, this is only an estimated price, and Hyundai has not officially announced the pricing.
After its launch, the new EV SUV could compete with models such as the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV300 EV, Kia Carens EV and MG Windsor EV.
New Model in Hyundai's EV Plan
The HE1i could become an important model in Hyundai's electric vehicle strategy for India. With its relatively compact size, boxy design, potential range of more than 500 km, two battery options and features such as ADAS, the model could target an important segment of the Indian EV market.
However, buyers will have to wait for Hyundai's official announcement for definitive information about the car's final design, battery capacity, motor specifications, charging time, variants and price.
