Hyundai Electric SUV Concept T. Image for reference.
Hyundai’s new electric SUV will have a real-world driving range anywhere between 200-300km
The Indian automotive industry is still at an infant stage of development when it comes to electric vehicles. However, major brands operating in the affordable segment have introduced decent EV packages at reasonable prices. This includes the Tata Nexon EV, upcoming Mahindra eXUV300 and MG ZS EV. In recent times, Hyundai India was at the forefront when it came to introducing desirable electric vehicles in the country with the launch of the Kona crossover.
The Hyundai Kona comes at a starting price of Rs 23.7 lakh ex-showroom and is in no way an affordable product. However, it is still a well-rounded zero-emission vehicle with ample levels of equipment and performance. To mark a strong presence in the affordable or approachable EV market, the South Korean brand is apparently working on a new product, set to launch sometime in 2022.
Ratan Tata and top management at Tata Nexon Electric launch
The information about the “ground-up SUV” came to light at the launch of the new Hyundai Creta. Seon Seob Kim, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) stated that the company is developing a “mass-market EV that will be an affordable product for the Indian customer”. He further added that the new Hyundai electric SUV will be introduced in about two years as a made-for-India as well as made-in-India product that could be exported to potential market abroad.
The upcoming Hyundai EV will be based on a flexible platform that will underpin ICE and hybrid products as well. It is too early to comment on the pricing of the EV and the company is more focused on its real-world driving range. Hyundai is targeting a figure anywhere between 200-300km on a full charge.
As mentioned before, the existing Hyundai Kona is placed significantly higher on the price chart. On the other hand, its direct rival from MG Motor India, the ZS EV (read our review) comes a starting price lower by more than Rs 2 lakh. Hence, Hyundai India aims to launch its upcoming unnamed EV at a compelling price point and to allow that, the company is seriously considering a battery-manufacturing plant in the country.
Ideally, Hyundai’s new electric SUV could be a direct rival to the likes of the Tata Nexon Electric and Mahindra eXUV300. While the Nexon EV comes at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh ex-showroom, the eXUV300 is expected to undercut this figure by a fair margin and showcase higher performance and range figures.
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Source: Electric - rushlane.com
