Hyundai To Launch Rs 10 Lakh Electric SUV To Take On Tata Punch EV And Nexon EV

The upcoming Hyundai Rs 10 Lakh EV will be the second mass-market electric vehicle from the Korean automaker in India, following the Hyundai Creta Electric. This new offering is expected to target the small SUV segment, providing an affordable electric option for Indian customers and taking on popular models like the Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon EV.

Hyundai’s Upcoming Mass Market EV For India

Hyundai recently shared its plans at the Investors’ Meet for the Indian market, outlining a roadmap till FY2030. Among the announcements, the automaker confirmed it will launch a small, localized EV priced around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

• Segment: The EV will cater to the subcompact SUV category, likely measuring under 4 meters in length, making it suitable for city driving.
• Competition: It will compete directly with Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV, giving customers more options in the affordable electric SUV segment.
• Objective: Hyundai aims to strengthen its position in the small EV space, where Tata currently dominates.

This vehicle will complement Hyundai’s existing electric lineup, which currently includes only the Creta Electric in the mass-market segment. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is focused on the premium segment, leaving a gap in the affordable EV market that this new model intends to fill.

Battery Options And Driving Range

The Hyundai Rs 10 Lakh EV will be offered with two battery pack options:

1. Standard Range: Suitable for city commutes and daily driving.
2. Long Range: Designed for longer distances and extended usability between charges.

• Performance: While exact power figures have not been revealed, the vehicle will provide a balance of efficiency and performance suitable for urban and semi-urban driving.
• Charging: The EV will support fast charging and standard AC charging, making it convenient for Indian users.

These options allow buyers to choose a battery that best suits their driving needs and budget, a strategy that has been successful in existing EV models in India.

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The new Hyundai subcompact EV will feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This includes:

• Lane keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Driver attention monitoring

These systems are already present in Hyundai’s other models and provide additional safety and convenience for drivers. The inclusion of ADAS in a mass-market EV segment shows Hyundai’s intent to offer premium safety features at an affordable price point.

Interior Features And Infotainment

The upcoming EV is expected to come with modern interior features aimed at improving the driving experience:

• Infotainment System: Advanced touchscreen display with support for Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, ensuring software upgrades without visiting service centers.
• Safety: Robust body structure for better crash protection and passenger safety.
• Comfort: Features like air conditioning, comfortable seating, and ample cabin space are expected to make it a practical choice for families.

These features will make the vehicle competitive against other small electric SUVs in the market.

Strategic Importance Of Another Mass Market EV

The introduction of this vehicle is a strategic move for Hyundai:

• Second Mass Market EV: After the Creta Electric, this will be Hyundai’s second mass-market EV in India.
• Filling The Gap: Currently, Hyundai holds a limited share in India’s affordable EV segment, which is dominated by Tata models.
• Expanding EV Presence: By entering the subcompact SUV space, Hyundai aims to grow its footprint and compete directly with Tata and Mahindra in the small EV category.

This vehicle is part of Hyundai’s broader plan to launch 26 models in India by FY2030, reflecting the company’s long-term focus on electric mobility.

Expected Launch And Pricing

• Launch Timeline: The Hyundai Rs 10 Lakh EV is expected to hit Indian showrooms sometime in 2026.

• Pricing: The vehicle will be positioned under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable options in the small EV segment.

This pricing strategy is crucial to attract first-time EV buyers and urban commuters who are looking for an electric vehicle with modern features but at a reasonable cost.

Competition In The Small EV Segment

The subcompact SUV EV space in India is growing, and Hyundai’s new EV will face stiff competition from established models:

• Tata Punch EV: A compact, urban-friendly EV priced around Rs 9.99 lakh.
• Tata Nexon EV: A larger electric SUV with a starting price of Rs 12.49 lakh, offering higher range and features.
• Mahindra XUV400 EV: A small electric SUV priced around Rs 15.49 lakh with strong performance and long-range battery options.

Hyundai’s competitive pricing and features aim to position this new EV as a strong alternative in this segment.

The Hyundai Rs 10 Lakh EV marks the automaker’s second attempt at a mass-market electric vehicle in India. With its affordable price, two battery options, advanced ADAS, and modern infotainment features, it is set to rival popular models like Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon EV.

By launching this vehicle, Hyundai aims to expand its presence in the small EV segment, attract city commuters, and provide an affordable yet feature-rich electric SUV for Indian customers. With a 2026 launch expected, the market can anticipate a strong competitor in the subcompact electric SUV category.