The Hyundai Motor India stall at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is buzzing, with curious onlookers crowding around the newly unveiled electric Creta, which starts at INR 18 lakh. But the company has not lost sight of the ICE (internal combustion engine) market, which, according to industry estimates, will still account for at least eight in ten four wheelers sold in the Indian market. Managing Director Unsoo Kim pointed towards the EU market forecasts to bolster his point about continuing focus on ICE products. “In the EU market, earlier they were saying that by 2035 all the ICE models will be disconnected. But there is now some energy issue and due to this energy issue, maybe they will change that kind of thing. And in the US market, the new government is totally changing policy (on electric vehicles). Anyhow, the EV market in India will grow to 20% by 2035. And by 2040 it will increase dramatically. But still, space for ICE models will remain and we do not want to lose money in the ICE category….take Maruti, they are also focused on the sedan part of it (besides other categories in ICE) . I mean they’re not leaving any of the ICE categories alone. Currently we are covering the hatchback, sedan and SUV segments in ICE and now the electric. And we will explore more opportunities for MPVs and other sub segments,” he said.On the expected growth rates of the EV market, Kim said that last year, EV four wheeler volume was 106,000 with a penetration of 2.5%. “We believe that by 2030 probably the penetration will be 15 to 20%. Now when will the trigger happen where the volume jumps? We think that 2025 and 2026 will be the trigger years. And the Creta EV could be a big trigger. Why? If you see Creta, we launched it in 2015. That time SUVs used to contribute 13% of the overall market. Creta changed it all. Today in the industry SUVs are contributing 53% but for Hyundai they are 68% of the volume. By 2026 maybe the electric vehicle market will double….We have already gone on record to say that like ICE segment, where Hyundai has 14% plus market share, we will target 14% plus share in the EV space too, in the mid to long term”.The Creta Electric, launched at the Expo, will be available in four variants with several colour options and two battery choices, offering competition to other EVs in the market. Pricing starts at INR 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The car comes in Executive, Smart, Premium, and Excellence variants. Buyers can choose from eight monotone and two dual-tone color options, including three matte finishes. Two battery pack options, 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh, deliver ARAI-rated ranges of 390 km and 473 km, respectively. The 42 kWh battery pack is paired with a 135 PS electric motor, while the 51.4 kWh battery powers a 171 PS motor. DC fast charging allows for a 10% to 80% charge in 58 minutes. An 11 kW AC home charger takes 4 hours for a 10% to 100% charge. The long-range variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds. The Creta Electric offers Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, selectable via a steering column-mounted dial, similar to the Ioniq 5.
The four variants – Executive, Smart, Premium, and Excellence – offer varying levels of features and color choices. The Executive and Smart trims have limited color options and lack dual-tone roof choices. The Smart (O), Premium, and Excellence trims offer the full range of exterior paint options. The two battery options offer different ranges and power outputs, catering to varying driving needs. DC fast charging and AC home charging options provide flexibility for recharging.
