Hyundai India has begun development of an electric version of the Creta mid-size SUV. The Creta EV, which will be positioned below the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5, has been observed testing on public roads. The spotted Creta EV test mule appears to be similar to the ICE version. However, keen observers will notice that the bumpers are a different colour, implying that they will be altered for the final production-spec version. Furthermore, because it is an EV, there is no tailpipe and the battery pack protrudes from the side profile.
While the prototype was observed charging through the engine bay, we anticipate a discrete charging flap on the fenders or near the front grille. The Creta EV will most likely be powered by a localised and re-engineered version of the E-GMP design that has been modified for Indian road conditions. The Creta EV is expected to arrive next year or in early 2025.
The first is that Hyundai will release the Creta EV either late next year or in 2025, but it will be based on the facelifted Creta rather than the present model.
The second possibility is that Hyundai will deliver an entirely new electric compact SUV to India and would use the Creta as a test mule for only its components. In either event, we may expect the carmaker to release an electric compact SUV in the next years as a direct competitor to the Tata Nexon EV and the planned Tata Curvv EV. It may have a claimed range of more than 400km and a premium set of features.
While Hyundai has recently unveiled the next-generation Verna car, the company is now aiming to introduce the ‘Exter,’ a new micro-SUV. The Hyundai Exter will be positioned beneath the Venue and will most likely be powered by 1.2-litre petrol and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engines. It should be noted that all Hyundai vehicles sold in India are equipped with BS6 2-compliant petrol engines that can run on E20 fuel-blend.
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