Hyundai’s upcoming sub-4-metre electric SUV has been spotted charging in Vijayawada, revealing new details about its charging setup, lighting and design.
Hyundai is stepping up testing of its upcoming compact EV, which is expected to sit below the Creta Electric in the company’s India lineup. The latest sightings of the HE1i prototype provide fresh clues about its charging requirements, exterior lighting and overall design.
Expected to sit below the Creta Electric in Hyundai’s India lineup, the HE1i will be manufactured at the company’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. The compact SUV is expected to target the growing demand for smaller electric SUVs in the Indian market.
120kW Charger Enquiry
The prototype spotted at the charging station was reportedly accompanied by Hyundai personnel enquiring about the availability of a 120kW charging connector. The station has two DC charging units rated at 180kW and 120kW, both with CCS2 connectors.
However, the enquiry does not confirm the HE1i’s peak charging capability. An EV can be connected to a higher-output charger while drawing power below the charger’s maximum capacity. Hyundai has not yet revealed the battery, charging or range specifications of the upcoming SUV.
For reference, the Creta Electric currently supports DC fast charging at up to 100kW.
Different Headlamp Setups Spotted
The two prototypes appear to feature different headlamp configurations. The charging-station vehicle gets slim horizontal lighting elements inside the lower headlamp housing, while the road-testing prototype appears to use a larger projector-style setup in the same area.
Both versions feature a slim upper lighting strip, suggesting a split-headlamp design. The differences could indicate variant-specific lighting configurations, although Hyundai has not confirmed the reason for the changes.
Boxy Design And Compact Dimensions
Both test vehicles feature an upright stance, large windows and a relatively flat roofline. Geometric dual-tone alloy wheels are visible, while the road-going prototype also gets roof rails and compact horizontal rear lamps.
Heavy camouflage continues to conceal much of the bodywork, but the proportions indicate a compact SUV designed to maximise cabin space within a sub-4-metre footprint.
Expected Features And Launch
Earlier sightings have hinted at a large central touchscreen and a slim driver display. Hyundai has also indicated that its upcoming compact EV will feature next-generation infotainment, Level 2 ADAS and the Pleos Connect technology suite.
The HE1i is reportedly based on Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) architecture, with the global Inster serving as a reference point. The Inster is offered internationally with 42kWh and 49kWh battery options, although specifications for the Indian model remain unconfirmed.
The HE1i is expected to debut by the end of 2026, with its market launch anticipated around the Bharat Mobility Global Auto Expo 2027 in February.
Source: Rushlane.com
