Hyundai's India-Bound Compact Electric SUV Spotted At Charging Station
Hyundai Motor India currently does not have any electric vehicle which is under Rs 15 lakh. As a result, it has commenced the development of a new compact electric SUV meant for India. A couple of days ago, a test mule of this upcoming mystery EV SUV was spotted testing in Goa. And now another spy image of the same EV SUV at a charging station in South Korea has been shared online.
The spy shot of the upcoming compact electric SUV from Hyundai has been shared on X by Jaehwam Cho on their page. In this image, we can note that a fully camouflaged compact SUV was parked at a charging station. Currently, it is unclear if the charging port of this SUV is located on the front or at the front left fender. We can also note that this particular SUV has been given a faux box-like shape in the rear to hide its real dimensions and silhouette.
In terms of the visible elements, we can note that this particular electric SUV will be getting a set of prominent roof rails on top. It can also be seen that the windows of this EV SUV will be very large and upright. Overall, the silhouette of this SUV is very boxy, and the front fenders and bonnet also add to this boxy appearance. This particular test mule was seen equipped with small 14-inch steel wheels.
From this particular spy shot and other spy images that were captured during testing in India, we can note that this particular EV SUV will be a sub-4m SUV. Some reports stated that it might be the electric version of the Exter micro-SUV. However, it looks bigger than that, suggesting that it could either be the electric version of the Venue or a completely new model.
It is also believed that it could be the Hyundai Inster EV-based electric SUV which has been designed specifically for the Indian market. If it is the case, then it will most likely directly rival the Tata Punch.ev and the Citroen eC3 in India. In terms of the design, the test mule spotted in India revealed a few more key details of this electric SUV.
The front end of this SUV will boast a closed-off grille, which is typical of most EVs, and a new four-dot element on the nose, which represents Hyundai's “H” in Morse code. Also, the LED DRLs of this SUV have been inspired by the internationally sold Inster EV. As for the main LED headlights, they have been placed on the lower portion of the bumper, and there is an air vent in the middle as well.
As for the side profile, it has been spotted with small steel wheels, but most likely the production version will be offered with a set of larger alloy wheels. Moving to the rear end design, the Indian test mule showed a slightly upright tailgate design with an integrated spoiler. Also, it has been noted that it was equipped with dotted LED taillights and a connecting bar in the middle. The rear bumper design was completely concealed.
Currently, there are no detailed interior spy shots of this EV SUV. However, we all are aware that Hyundai will be offering this SUV with a premium cabin with leatherette upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument gauge cluster, ventilated front seats, a powered driver seat, automatic climate control, and possibly ADAS Level 2 with a 360-degree camera and multiple airbags.
As for the electric powertrain options, the upcoming EV SUV is expected to be offered with two battery pack options of 42 kWh and 49 kWh. The larger battery pack is expected to offer a range of 400 km on a single full charge. Most likely, it will support DC fast charging as well. The exact power figures have not been revealed at the moment.