Hyundai Motor Company is planning to bring in a low-cost electric mini SUV in India by mid 2023. Developed under the company’s ‘Smart EV’ project, the new Hyundai electric car will be priced below Rs 10 lakh.
For people not in the know, Hyundai’s Smart EV project includes minimum three budget electric vehicles that will be especially designed for developing markets including India. The first model to roll out under this plan is slated to arrive sometime next year.
The new budget Hyundai electric cars are likely to offer range around 200km. The new electric small SUV will come as an affordable alternative to petrol-diesel hatchbacks and crossovers that are used mostly for city commute purposes. The carmaker might showcase the small SUV in its concept form at the 2022 Auto Expo. Read – 5 Facts About Upcoming New-Gen Hyundai i20
According to a latest media report, the new Hyundai electric small SUV will be designed on a modified ICE platform that will help the carmaker keep a check on manufacturing cost and work even for limited demand.
The new Hyundai electric car won’t come with advanced range and charging features. Unlike the Hyundai Kona which is imported as a CKD kit, Hyundai’s new electric crossover will be produced in India. It might be exported to other emerging markets where electrification is in initial stage. The South Korean carmaker will also introduce an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) version of the mini SUV.
The South Korean carmaker has already confirmed the Nexo fuel cell electric SUV for the Indian market. The Hyundai Nexo comes with a 95kW fuel cell stack and 40kW lithium-ion battery delivering power worth 135kW and 395Nm of torque. The FCEV is capable to do 0 to 100kmph in 9.2 seconds and achieve a maximum 179kmph. Its hydrogen tanks can be filled in 5 minutes. The Nexo promises a range of 600km on a single fill.
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