Upcoming Hyundai Compact Electric SUV – What We Know So Far

Hyundai is developing an affordable compact electric SUV for India with local manufacturing, long range, and feature-rich design.

Hyundai's working on a compact electric SUV,  planning to launch it sometime in the next two years. The Korean automaker recently shared its massive global plan targeting 5.55 million vehicle sales by 2030. Here's where it gets interesting for us – nearly 60 percent of those sales will come from electric and hybrid vehicles. Hyundai isn't playing small anymore. They're betting big on electrification and completely transforming how they build and sell cars. This shift means we'll see way more EV options hitting Indian showrooms soon.

Hyundai's India strategy includes bringing the luxury Genesis brand here in a couple of years. But what really catches attention is their Extended Range EV technology coming by 2027. These vehicles will supposedly run up to 965 kilometers on one charge globally. That's almost like driving from Mumbai to Goa and back without plugging in. While the India-specific range might differ, this technology shows Hyundai means business with electric mobility.

The expansion plan for India is absolutely wild. By 2030, Hyundai wants to offer 32 different models here. That lineup breaks down into thirteen petrol and diesel cars, eight hybrids, five pure electric vehicles, and six CNG options. They're planning 26 new launches across five years. This means Indian buyers will have tons of choices whether they want traditional engines, hybrids, or full electric.

The most action-packed period comes between 2029 and 2030 when Hyundai will roll out 14 new or refreshed models. Their plan includes seven completely new vehicles, six major redesigns, six variants, and seven facelifts. That's basically a new car launch every couple of months. Hyundai is clearly not sitting idle – they're aggressively expanding to grab bigger market share before competitors can catch up.

Right now, the new Venue is launching early next month with significant upgrades inside and outside. Hyundai has also been spotted testing updated versions of the Ioniq 5, i20, and Verna on Indian roads. These updates show the company is refreshing its entire lineup while preparing new EVs. The compact electric SUV will likely borrow design elements from these popular models, creating a familiar yet fresh look.

The upcoming compact EV will take styling inspiration from Hyundai's successful sub-four-meter SUVs like Venue and Exter. Think of it as an electric version with modern touches borrowed from global models like the Ioniq and Inster Electric. The design should appeal to buyers who love Hyundai's current SUV styling but want zero emissions. It'll sit below the Creta Electric in pricing and positioning, targeting first-time EV buyers and young families.

Pricing is where things get really interesting - Hyundai plans heavy localization, meaning most parts will be made or sourced within India. This reduces import costs and taxes significantly. When a car has high local content, manufacturers can price it much lower than imported models. That's why this compact SUV should undercut many current electric offerings while still packing premium features and technology.

The battery options look promising with two variants planned at launch. Hyundai claims over 450 kilometers of range on a single charge, which handles most daily driving plus weekend trips without range anxiety. That's roughly enough to drive from Delhi to Jaipur or Bangalore to Chennai without stopping. Real-world range will depend on driving style and conditions, but 450 kilometers gives buyers plenty of breathing room.

Competition will be hard, This Hyundai will go head-to-head with Tata Punch EV, MG Comet EV, and Citroen eC3 – all targeting budget-conscious buyers wanting electric mobility. However, Hyundai typically loads its vehicles with features that rivals skip to cut costs. Expect a long features list including touchscreen infotainment, connected car technology, multiple airbags, and driver assistance systems. Hyundai knows Indians love getting maximum value for money.

The compact electric SUV will likely be offered in multiple variants catering to different customer needs. Some buyers want basic transportation while others demand loaded top variants with every bell and whistle. This strategy helped Hyundai dominate with Creta and Venue, and they'll repeat it here. More variants mean more buyers can find exactly what they need without compromising or overspending on unwanted features.