Hyundai India is reportedly gearing up to offer a more affordable electric SUV in 2025 to rival vehicles like the MG ZS EV.
According to Autocar India, the vehicle will be based on the internal-combustion Creta, Hyundai’s developing market small SUV that’s offered in markets like India, Indonesia and Brazil where the Kona isn’t sold.
Autocar India reports that while Hyundai entered the “premium” electric car game in India with the Kona and Ioniq 5, it has since decided to tap into the more affordable electric car segment.
The Creta EV will directly rival the MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX.
Autocar India reports the Creta EV will have a 45kWh battery pack made by LG Chem, Hyundai’s global lithium-ion battery supplier, and use the same electric motor as the Kona Electric.
In Standard Range guise, the new Kona Electric has a single front-mounted electric motor with 99kW of power and 255Nm of torque. It features a 48.4kWh battery, good for 317km of range under the stricter US EPA test cycle.
The MG ZS EV has a 50.3kWh battery, good for 320km of range under the similarly strict WLTP test cycle. The Maruti Suzuki eVX will reportedly offer a choice of 48kWh or 60kWh batteries.
Hyundai has reportedly been testing its Creta EV in South Korea.
It’s expected to feature a unique front fascia design to differentiate it from its internal-combustion sibling, much like the Kona Electric is distinguished visually from the regular Kona.
Autocar India reports Hyundai is expected to release more details towards the end of next year, with an official debut by the second half of 2024 and a pricing announcement in early 2025.
Hyundai has announced plans to introduce six EVs in India by 2028.
