Hyundai is preparing a new, affordable electric SUV for India, marking an important step beyond its existing premium and midrange electric offerings. The upcoming model, internally codenamed HE1i, is being developed for buyers seeking a practical, compact vehicle without the price premium of larger SUVs. The name Hyundai Ioniq P surfaced during the automaker’s October 29, 2026, global earnings call, raising expectations that this could be its next mass-market offering. However, Hyundai’s Indian division has not confirmed the name or explicitly associated it with HE1i. With an early 2027 launch targeted, competition could intensify across India’s expanding electric SUV market.
Hyundai’s upcoming sub-four-meter electric SUV could be called Hyundai Ioniq P. Codenamed HE1i, it is expected to debut around January 2027 and launch during Q4 FY27, between January and March. Official pricing, battery specifications, and the final name remain unannounced.
Why the Ioniq P Name Is Making Headlines
During its third-quarter earnings conference, Hyundai Motor Company referred to an Ioniq P for India following the recently launched Bayon. A trademark filing further strengthens speculation, but management did not explicitly identify HE1i as that vehicle.
Hyundai Motor India’s CEO Tarun Garg separately indicated a January or February 2027 arrival, confirming the company’s commitment to a dedicated mass-market EV.
Platform, Battery and Expected Features
The compact SUV is expected to use Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) architecture, related to the overseas Inster electric car. Two range choices are planned, although India-specific capacities and certified driving ranges remain undisclosed.
For context, the international Inster offers 42 kWh and 49 kWh batteries, with up to 355 km of WLTP-rated range. Those figures should not be treated as confirmed specifications for the new Indian model.
Expected highlights include:
- Next-generation infotainment, potentially Hyundai’s Pleos Connect interface.
- Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems.
- A purpose-built electric platform rather than a converted petrol SUV.
- Standard-range and long-range battery variants.
Made in India With Greater Localization
Production is planned at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. Localized battery packs and power electronics should help reduce costs, while imported battery cells will be used initially.
Hyundai plans to source locally manufactured cells through its partnership with Exide Industries later, after supply delays. The factory may also support overseas shipments, although export plans for this model remain unconfirmed.
Competition and Market Strategy
Positioned below the Creta Electric, the Hyundai Ioniq P could challenge the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and Kia Syros EV.
With Indian electric passenger-vehicle sales reportedly rising nearly 90% during FY27 so far, Hyundai wants its EV share to approach industry levels in FY28. Its existing electric portfolio includes the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5.
Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki, VinFast and Honda are preparing additional electric models, intensifying competition. Hyundai has not announced a sales target for the model, despite its ambitious expansion plans.
What Buyers Should Watch
The Hyundai Ioniq P name remains provisional. Buyers should await confirmed prices, battery capacities, driving range, charging performance, and booking dates before comparing it with established competitors.
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