Hyundai Motor India is preparing its most aggressive electric vehicle play yet with the C12 compact electric SUV, internally codenamed HE1i. Designed as a ground-up EV for the Indian market, this sub-4-meter SUV aims to disrupt the high-volume entry-level segment currently led by the Tata Punch EV. Fresh spy shots and industry reports confirm that testing is in advanced stages, with the model expected to debut before the end of 2026.
Design and platform
The C12 sits on a derivative of Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP (K) architecture, optimized for interior space and packaging. Spy images reveal a boxy, upright silhouette with high ground clearance and a tall roofline. Key exterior cues include a split headlamp setup with distinct LED lighting elements, a front-mounted charging port, geometric alloy wheels, chunky wheel arches, and sleek horizontal LED tail-lamps. The design language aligns with Hyundai's global EV aesthetic while retaining a compact SUV stance suited to Indian roads.
Interior and technology
The biggest highlight from recent test mules is the cabin, which will debut Hyundai's next-generation Pleos Connect system in India. First seen on global models like the Grandeur and Ioniq lineup, Pleos Connect organizes core driving data — speed, energy efficiency, remaining range — onto a slim dashboard-mounted digital display directly in the driver's line of sight, paired with a large central touchscreen. Expected features include Level 2 ADAS, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and highly customizable seating configurations for flexible cargo management.
Battery, range, and charging
Industry sources indicate two battery pack options between 40 kWh and 50 kWh. The larger pack is projected to deliver a claimed range of up to 450 km on a single charge, while some reports suggest the top variant could exceed 500 km. Initial production will use Svolt battery cells, with a planned transition to locally manufactured cells through Hyundai's strategic collaboration with Exide. Test mules spotted at public chargers confirm fast-charging validation is underway.
Launch timeline and expected pricing
Originally slated for early 2027, Hyundai has accelerated the timeline to target a late 2026 market debut. The vehicle will be manufactured at the Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu. To drive high-volume adoption, the starting price is expected to be positioned under ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable mass-market EVs in the country. Variant-wise pricing could range approximately ₹10.24 lakh to ₹13.78 lakh on-road in Delhi, depending on battery capacity and feature load.
When will the Hyundai C12 launch in India?
Hyundai is targeting a late 2026 launch for the C12 compact electric SUV, ahead of the earlier early-2027 estimate. The model is in final testing stages and will be produced locally at the Sriperumbudur facility.
What is the expected price of the Hyundai C12?
The starting price is expected to be under ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom) to compete aggressively in the entry-level EV segment. On-road prices in Delhi are estimated between ₹10.24 lakh and ₹13.78 lakh across variants.
What battery options and range will the Hyundai C12 offer?
Two battery packs between 40 kWh and 50 kWh are anticipated. The larger pack could deliver a claimed range of up to 450 km, with some estimates suggesting over 500 km for the top variant. Initial units will use Svolt cells, transitioning later to locally produced cells via the Exide partnership.
What platform underpins the Hyundai C12?
The C12 is built on a derivative of Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP (K) platform, making it a ground-up electric vehicle optimized for interior space, packaging, and EV-specific dynamics.
Which rivals will the Hyundai C12 compete against?
Upon launch, the C12 will rival the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and the upcoming Kia Syros EV in the compact electric SUV segment.
The Hyundai C12 represents a pivotal product for the Korean automaker's India EV strategy. By combining a ground-up EV platform, aggressive sub-₹10 lakh pricing, and segment-first technology like Pleos Connect and Level 2 ADAS, it has the potential to reset expectations in the mass-market electric SUV space. Much will depend on final pricing, real-world range, and how quickly Hyundai can scale local battery production. If the late 2026 timeline holds, the C12 could arrive just as the entry-level EV race intensifies, giving buyers a compelling new alternative with global-tech credentials at a Made-in-India price point.