Hyundai Creta EV production to begin end-2024

Hyundai is currently in the midst of extensively testing the Creta EV, with prototypes having been spied on test a couple of times in the past few months. We can now report that Hyundai Creta EV is likely to go on sale in India before one of its biggest rivals arrives in the market, the Maruti Suzuki eVX.

1. Creta EV India launch expected in early 2025
2. Maruti eVX launch delayed by a few months
3. Creta EV to also rival Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS EV

Hyundai Creta EV launch timeline

Hyundai Motor India has confirmed that it plans to start with the mass production of the Creta EV at its Chennai plant by the end of this year, with a global debut scheduled for 2025. In contrast, the launch of Maruti Suzuki's eVX SUV seems to be delayed by a few months. As per our sources, the start of production for the Maruti eVX SUV is likely to move from September 2024 to February 2025, at the earliest. This indicates that Hyundai's first mass-market EV will launch in India before Maruti's.

Hyundai Creta EV range, battery, powertrain

As we’ve reported earlier, the Creta EV will be plonked with a 45kWh battery pack, which is smaller than the MG ZS EV's(50.3kWh) and even the upcoming Maruti eVX's (48-60kWh). Our sources also revealed that the Creta EV will share its electric motor with the entry-level version of the new-gen Kona EV available overseas. This front-mounted motor should produce about 138hp and 255Nm torque. The most recent spy shots also show the presence of a nose-mounted charging port, like the one seen on the Kona Electric.

Hyundai Creta EV: differences over ICE Creta

While the exterior design will be largely similar to the ICE Creta – albeit with some unique highlights like a closed-off grille, new bumpers and aero-optimised alloy wheels – the interior will feature a new three-spoke steering wheel, along with a redesigned centre console. The Creta EV is expected to retain the twin-screen setup for the infotainment and instrument cluster, but we can expect the addition of a few new features. Hyundai's Level 2 ADAS suite is also expected to be offered with the Creta EV. Apart from the Maruti eVX, the Hyundai Creta EV will also directly go up against the MG ZS EV, as well as the upcoming Tata Curvv EV.

Hyundai also recently entered a partnership with Exide Industries for the localisation of cells and batteries to create local value addition and aggressive prices for its EVs in India. According to our sister publication Autocar Professional, the Creta EV will be followed by a mass-market compact EV, which is scheduled for 2026. However, details about the second localised EV are still under wraps. While the company's priority is EVs, Hyundai is also exploring the introduction of potential hybrid vehicles in the future.