The anticipation is palpable as Hyundai prepares for a monumental debut at the upcoming Auto Expo. The company is set to unveil the Hyundai Creta Electric, an SUV that promises to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. With high hopes of capturing a significant 15% market share, Hyundai is banking on this launch to solidify its position as a leader in the EV market.
A Grand Stage at Bharat Mandapam
The Auto Expo, rebranded as the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, will be held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi from January 17. This six-day event is India’s largest motor show, attracting vehicle manufacturers from around the globe. Among the most anticipated showcases is Hyundai’s Creta Electric, marking the company’s most significant launch to date.
The Long-Awaited Creta Electric
The Hyundai Creta Electric has been eagerly awaited by automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Hyundai India COO, Tarun Garg, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “We have sold more than 11 lakh Creta SUVs in India, and we believe that Creta EV will become the symbol of electric SUVs.” Garg further emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to becoming as dominant in the EV sector as it is in the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle market.
Ambitious Market Share Goals
Currently holding a 13-14% market share in the SUV segment, Hyundai aims to surpass this figure in the EV market by 2030. Garg highlighted the company’s strategy to achieve this goal, which includes launching electric SUVs and providing extensive charging solutions. Hyundai’s in-car payment application is compatible with over 1,100 charging points, and the My Hyundai app facilitates payments at over 10,000 charging stations across the country.
In-Car Payment and Charging Network Expansion
The new Hyundai Creta Electric will feature in-car payment capabilities, allowing users to pay for charging directly from their vehicles. This innovation is part of Hyundai’s broader plan to expand its charging network nationwide, making EV ownership more convenient and accessible.
Design and Specifications of Creta Electric
The Hyundai Creta Electric retains the familiar design of its ICE counterpart, with minor modifications to suit its electric nature. New soft plastic parts, pixel-like detailing on the bumpers, and a traditional covered front grille give it a distinct look.
Battery Pack and Driving Range
The Creta Electric comes with two battery pack options: a 42kWh and a 51.4kWh battery. These options offer an ARAI-claimed range of 390 km and 473 km, respectively. The long-range variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. It features three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, along with a steering column-mounted drive mode selector similar to the Ioniq 5.
Charging Capabilities
Hyundai claims that the Creta Electric can charge from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes using DC fast charging. An 11 kW AC wall box charger can fully charge the battery from 10% to 100% in about 4 hours. The Creta Electric will be available in four variants: Executive, Smart, Premium, and Excellence, with eight monotone and two dual-tone color options, including three matte finishes.
Facing the Competition: Maruti E Vitara
Hyundai’s excitement about the Creta Electric is tempered by the competition from Maruti Suzuki, which will present its first electric car, the Maruti e Vitara, at the Auto Expo. The Suzuki e Vitara will offer two battery packs (49kWh and 61kWh), with the latter providing a driving range of up to 500 km per charge.
Conclusion
As the Auto Expo approaches, all eyes are on Hyundai’s Creta Electric. With its innovative features and ambitious market share goals, the Creta Electric is poised to make a significant impact in the EV segment. Hyundai’s strategic initiatives in charging infrastructure and in-car technology further enhance its appeal, setting the stage for a fierce competition with rivals like Maruti e Vitara. The Auto Expo 2025 promises to be an exciting event for EV enthusiasts and the automotive industry alike.