How Hyundai Paved The Path For EVs In India!

Hyundai India is a manufacturer that is well-known for creating new segments with well-baked products and then, ruling the market with authority. Whether it’s features, products, or innovations, Hyundai has always been one step ahead. Now, as India moves ahead with electric mobility gaining momentum, Hyundai India has been at the forefront of this journey as well.  

Starting with the humble Kona EV, Hyundai set the ball rolling, and now, with the sleek, futuristic and tech-loaded Hyundai Ioniq 5, the brand has captured the hearts of Indian consumers! As the brand is preparing to take the wraps off its first mass-market EV in January 2025, let’s take a closer look at how Hyundai has paved the way for EVs in India.

Hyundai Kona: A Stellar Start

When Hyundai launched the Kona EV back in 2019, India’s EV market was still finding its feet. Hyundai brought in a product that was ahead of its time. The Kona proved that electric cars didn’t have to compromise on style, performance, features or practicality. With its sharp design, solid range, and the promise of a greener tomorrow, it showed Indian consumers that EVs weren’t just for tech enthusiasts — they were for anyone who dared to embrace the future. Not to forget, it set the record for the highest achieved altitude by an EV in late 2019, when it climbed the Sawula Pass in Tibet.

 

Hyundai Kona: An EV That Made Sense For Consumers

The Kona EV was a well-thought-out product that ticked all the right boxes. It offered an impressive ARAI-certified range of 452 km on a single charge, making long-distance trips in an EV possible even when charging infrastructure was in its nascent stages back then. Powering the Kona EV was a 39.2kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor that used to churn out 136 PS and 395 Nm of torque. This setup allowed the Kona to propel from 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.7 seconds, with a top speed of 154 kmph. 

Add to that Hyundai’s reliability, easy maintenance, and smooth, silent driving experience, and the Kona quickly became the EV that made sense for the Indian consumer. It wasn’t just about saving the planet; it was about saving money on running costs without giving up on comfort or convenience.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Turns Heads, Everywhere It Goes

Fast forward to today, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is stealing the spotlight wherever it goes. With its retro-futuristic design, sharp lines, and pixelated lights, this EV is a head-turner in every sense of the word. Whether it’s cruising down the city streets or parked at a charging station, the Ioniq 5 demands attention, proving that electric vehicles can be as exciting as they are eco-friendly.

Powered by a 72.6kWh battery pack, it delivers a robust 217 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100 kmph in just 7.6 seconds. With an impressive ARAI-certified range of 631 km, it ensures you go the distance without a hitch.

Not to forget, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 won the coveted Green Car of the Year at the ICOTY 2024 awards.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Features And Tech Loaded

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is loaded to the brim with an array of futuristic features and cutting-edge technology. Inside, you’ll find a sliding centre console, augmented reality heads-up display (AR HUD), and dual 12.3-inch integrated displays that doubles up as the infotainment system and the driver’s display. The panoramic glass roof adds to the airy, spacious feel of the cabin. For connectivity, it supports Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. It also offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning, ensuring both safety and convenience on every journey.

Hyundai India And Charging Infrastructure: Munching Miles

Hyundai India is also focusing on building an ecosystem. With plans to deploy around 600 fast charging stations across the country over the next seven years, Hyundai is addressing range anxiety head-on. By the end of this month, they aim to have 50 of these stations up and running, already making a significant impact. These stations have facilitated around 50,000 charging sessions to more than 10,000 EV users — including Hyundai and non-Hyundai customers alike. It is clear that Hyundai is committed to making EV ownership convenient, accessible, and seamless for everyone.

What’s Next? Exciting Times!

The Kona EV set the ball rolling, the Ioniq 5 took it to a whole new level, and now Hyundai is gearing up to electrify one of India’s most beloved SUVs — the Creta.

Slated for a January 2025 introduction, the Hyundai Creta EV will be a game-changer, combining the practicality and popularity of the ICE-powered Creta with the future-ready appeal of electric mobility. The Creta EV will join the Ioniq 5 in Hyundai’s electric lineup, offering customers a broader range of options and most importantly, catering to the mass market buyers.

That said, with the Creta EV, Hyundai India aims to make electric mobility more accessible to Indian consumers by blending familiarity with innovation, paving the way for a future where EVs are no longer an exception but the norm.