Hyundai HE1i: New compact EV SUV to rival Punch in India. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are both preparing to launch new electric vehicles in India by 2026 and 2027. While Maruti is testing an electric MPV codenamed YMC, Hyundai is readying the Hyundai HE1i, a sub-4 meter SUV designed for the Indian market. This new Hyundai EV aims to challenge the Tata Punch EV and is expected to arrive around Diwali 2026.
Maruti’s electric MPV, the YMC, will share its platform with the eVitara and may offer a driving range of up to 543km. It will use 49kWh and 61kWh battery pack options. Spy shots show it has a boxy design with large headlamps and connected taillamps. A Toyota version is also planned for later.
The Hyundai HE1i compact EV SUV is built on the E-GMP (K) platform, also used for the Hyundai Inster in Europe. It will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu. Buyers can choose between Standard Range and Long Range battery packs, likely 42kWh and 49kWh options sourced from Exide. It will offer OTA updates and a Level 2 ADAS suite.
Both Maruti and Hyundai are yet to make official announcements about their EVs. The Hyundai HE1i will be Hyundai’s first mass-market electric vehicle for India. Maruti’s YMC MPV is expected to debut in late 2026, with launch in early 2027.
In conclusion, the Hyundai HE1i and Maruti YMC represent key steps in India’s EV growth. These models bring affordable, feature-rich options to the compact SUV and MPV segments, making electric mobility more accessible.
