Hyundai India’s upcoming Hyundai Sub-4m EV has been spotted testing once again, and this latest sighting has revealed some key details about the upcoming EV.
Codenamed HE1i, this electric SUV is a key model in Hyundai’s India-focused EV plans and will be positioned below the Creta Electric.
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This time, the test mule was spotted at a charging station in Vijayawada, where some exterior details along with the SUV’s charging setup were revealed. Hyundai has not yet revealed the official name, battery capacity, and charging specifications of this EV. The company has confirmed that it will be designed in India and manufactured locally.
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Hyundai Sub-4m EV: Spotted on a 120kW Charger
The most interesting part of the latest sighting is that the test mule was spotted at a 120kW-rated DC charging station. This indicates that Hyundai is testing charging compatibility in real-world conditions. However, there’s an important clarification here—having a 120kW charger available with the SUV isn’t proof that the vehicle itself will support 120kW peak charging.
Charging stations listed 120kW and 180kW DC units, but Hyundai hasn’t yet confirmed the upcoming EV’s maximum DC charging capacity. Therefore, it wouldn’t be accurate to report 120kW as the SUV’s charging speed at this time.
The test mule also featured rubber flaps around the AC and DC charging ports, designed to protect the connectors from water ingress.
Different Headlight Designs Spotted
The latest spy shots reveal the lighting elements of Hyundai’s upcoming electric SUV more clearly than before. The prototype spotted at a charging station featured slim horizontal lighting elements within the headlamp housing, while a second road-going prototype featured a comparatively larger projector-style setup.
The basic design of the upper slim lighting strip appears similar in both prototypes. This suggests that Hyundai is likely testing different headlamp configurations for different variants. However, the final production-spec lighting setup will only be confirmed closer to launch.
The SUV’s overall profile appears boxy and upright. Large windows, a relatively flat roofline, roof rails, and geometric alloy wheels have also been spotted on test mules. Despite the sub-4-meter footprint, Hyundai is developing this EV with a spacious cabin.
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17-Inch Pleos Connect Screen and Level 2 ADAS
The cabin of upcoming Hyundai Sub-4m EV could also be technology-focused. Earlier spy shots have previewed the Pleos Connect next-generation infotainment system. Reports suggest the central touchscreen could be 17 inches in size, while a separate digital display will also be provided for the driver.
Features include a panoramic glass roof, ventilated seats, and connected-car technology. Hyundai has confirmed a next-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted driving technology for its upcoming compact EV.
This model will be based on a ground-up EV architecture, rather than developing an existing ICE SUV through an electric conversion. This could benefit cabin packaging and interior space.
NMC Battery and Long Range Expected
Battery technology could be another major highlight of this upcoming Hyundai EV. According to reports, Hyundai may use high-density NMC or mid-nickel NMC battery chemistry. The company has stated that the in-house developed cells are targeting a longevity comparable to LFP battery technology.
Battery capacity has not yet been officially confirmed. Earlier reports discussed the possibility of 42kWh and 49kWh options, but final battery sizes and range figures for the Indian-spec HE1i are still awaited.
Hyundai will initially use Svolt-supplied cells and later plans to shift to locally produced cells through Exide.
When will the Hyundai Sub-4m EV launch?
Hyundai has confirmed that this Hyundai Sub-4m EV will be locally manufactured in India. The company had previously indicated a debut by March 2027, but Hyundai Motor India CEO Tarun Garg has said the model could debut by the end of 2026.
This SUV will challenge models like the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and Kia Syros EV.
Auto India Daily Verdict
Upcoming Hyundai Sub-4m EV no longer appears to be just a future project, but appears to be in an advanced stage of testing. The latest charging-station sighting has further clarified its charging development, headlight configurations, and exterior proportions, while Pleos Connect and Level 2 ADAS could make it a technology-focused offering.
Key details like battery capacity, range, charging speed, price, and a final name have not yet been officially revealed. With Hyundai targeting an end-2026 debut, further specifications related to this compact EV are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
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