The electric vehicle (EV) segment in India is heating up, and Hyundai is gearing up to join the party with a familiar face – the Creta Electric. This upcoming electric SUV aims to be the most affordable Hyundai EV in India, taking on rivals like the MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti eVX and Tata Curvv EV.
A Glimpse Inside the Electric Creta:
Recent spy shots offer a sneak peek into the Creta Electric’s cabin. While most of the interior layout seems borrowed from the internal combustion engine (ICE) Creta, there are some key differences that highlight its electric nature.
A New Helm for the Electric Journey:
The most striking change is the new steering wheel, a significant departure from the one in the ICE Creta. This new steering wheel exudes elegance with a rounded central area, a circular chrome trim, and a horizontal chrome strip in the center. Interestingly, it ditches the traditional Hyundai ‘H’ logo, possibly reflecting a design approach similar to the Ioniq 5 EV. Additionally, the drive mode selector has been conveniently positioned behind the steering wheel on the right side, mirroring the layout in the Ioniq 5.
Tech Features Carried Over:
The Creta Electric appears to retain the familiar seamlessly integrated infotainment and instrument cluster screen from the ICE model. This maintains a sense of continuity while offering the features Creta drivers are accustomed to.
Comfort and Convenience on Point:
Hyundai is likely to carry over most features from the ICE Creta to the electric version. Expect creature comforts like dual-tone interiors, leather upholstery in top trims, ventilated seats, a wireless charger, cruise control, rear AC vents, a USB charger, and glove box cooling. Passengers will also enjoy a premium sound system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, voice commands, and OTA updates. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car technology will likely provide a range of connectivity features, keeping the Creta Electric at the forefront of in-car tech.
Safety First:
Safety remains a priority, with the Creta Electric expected to inherit the comprehensive safety features from the ICE model. This includes ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, a tire pressure monitoring system, parking sensors (front and rear) with a camera, and a burglar alarm.
Range and Charging:
While details about the powertrain are yet to be revealed, industry estimates suggest the Creta Electric could offer a driving range exceeding 400 km on a single charge. Hyundai is likely to equip the car with multi-level regenerative braking to optimize battery usage, a feature common amongst other Hyundai EVs. Modern charging options like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) could also be included, providing greater flexibility to owners. Both AC and DC fast charging options are expected to be available for convenient charging on the go.
Launch and Price Expectations:
Hyundai is aiming for a swift launch of the Creta Electric to capitalize on the growing EV market. The electric SUV is expected to arrive sometime later this year or early next year. The starting price is estimated to be around Rs 20 lakh, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious EV buyers in India.
The Hyundai Creta Electric is shaping up to be a familiar favorite reborn for the electric age. With its blend of affordability, familiar features, and potential for a decent driving range, the Creta Electric has the potential to be a strong contender in the Indian electric SUV segment. Stay tuned for further updates as we inch closer to the official launch.
