Hyundai has electrified one of India’s most popular SUVs with the launch of the Creta Electric on January 17, 2025, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. Spied extensively during testing, this midsize electric SUV promises a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality, with a claimed range of up to 473km. Priced between ₹17.99 lakh and ₹24.38 lakh (ex-showroom), the Creta Electric aims to capitalize on the Creta’s strong brand equity while competing in the burgeoning electric SUV segment. With MS Dhoni’s recent endorsement of Citroën’s Basalt adding buzz to the SUV market, Hyundai’s Creta Electric is poised to make a significant impact. Here’s a comprehensive look at its design, specifications, and market potential, based on official details and recent insights.
Design and Exterior Styling
The Hyundai Creta Electric retains much of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Creta’s bold, modern design, with EV-specific tweaks to enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics. Spy shots revealed a closed-off grille with pixel-like detailing, a hallmark of Hyundai’s electric lineup inspired by the Ioniq 5. The front bumper integrates a charging port behind the Morse-code ‘H’ logo, a segment-first feature with active air flaps that open and close for cooling and efficiency. Redesigned front and rear bumpers feature silver skid plates, while 17-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance 215/60 tires improve range. The ‘Electric’ badge on the tailgate and blacked-out C-pillars in dual-tone models add distinction.
Available in eight monotone colors (Ocean Blue, Fiery Red, Abyss Black, Atlas White, Starry Night, Titan Grey, Robust Emerald Matte, Ocean Blue Matte) and two dual-tone options (Ocean Blue with Black Roof, Atlas White with Black Roof), the Creta Electric offers premium appeal. Its dimensions—4,340mm length, 1,790mm width, 1,655mm height, and 2,610mm wheelbase—mirror the ICE Creta, ensuring a familiar silhouette. However, the lack of a radically different design may make it feel less unique compared to purpose-built EVs like the Mahindra BE 6.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Creta Electric combines familiarity with EV-specific upgrades. The cabin retains the ICE Creta’s dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, now with an EV-optimized UI featuring a cube-like theme. A new three-spoke steering wheel, inspired by the Kona EV, sports four dots representing ‘H’ in Morse code, replacing the Hyundai logo. The gear selector has moved to a stalk behind the steering, freeing up space for a floating center console with ambient lighting, cupholders, and controls for the electronic parking brake and auto-hold. Eco-friendly upholstery, made from corn extracts and recycled plastic, mimics leatherette while aligning with Hyundai’s sustainability goals.
Key features include a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 433-litre boot space matches the ICE Creta, with an additional 22-litre frunk for small items. Rear seats offer a 60:40 split and two-step recline but lack sufficient under-thigh support. Safety is robust, with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start and descent assist, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS (forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control). However, the absence of wireless CarPlay and a slightly elevated driving position due to the battery floor may disappoint some buyers.
Powertrain and Performance
The Creta Electric offers two battery options: a 42kWh pack with 133bhp and a 390km ARAI-certified range, and a 51.4kWh pack with 169bhp and a 473km range, closely aligning with the anticipated 450km range from spy reports. Real-world ranges are estimated at 375–425km, depending on conditions like temperature and AC usage. The front-axle-mounted electric motor delivers 255Nm of torque, with the long-range variant sprinting from 0–100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—adjust throttle response, while ADAS-linked regenerative braking and single-pedal i-Pedal technology enhance efficiency.
Charging is practical, with an 11kW AC home charger taking 4–4.5 hours for a 10–100% charge, and a DC fast charger achieving 10–80% in 58 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology allows the SUV to power external devices, though the V2L port’s placement under the rear seat is inconvenient. Built on a modified K2 platform, the Creta Electric prioritizes efficiency over dynamic handling, offering a smooth but unexciting drive compared to sportier rivals like the Tata Curvv EV.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Priced from ₹17.99 lakh for the Executive variant to ₹24.38 lakh for the Excellence variant (ex-showroom), the Creta Electric is competitively positioned against the Tata Curvv EV (₹17.49–₹22.59 lakh), MG ZS EV, and upcoming Maruti e-Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser EV. The top three variants (Smart O, Premium, Excellence) require an additional ₹73,000 for the 11kW AC charger. With 18 variants and festive discounts like those during Hyundai’s Monsoon Service Camp, the Creta Electric offers strong value. Its June 2025 sales of 15,786 units (including ICE models) highlight the Creta nameplate’s dominance, making the EV a strategic move to capture India’s growing EV market.
Critical Perspective
The Creta Electric leverages the Creta’s popularity but faces challenges. Its design, while refined, closely resembles the ICE model, potentially lacking the futuristic appeal of dedicated EVs. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol Creta’s sportier dynamics outshine the EV’s sedate handling, and competitors like the Curvv EV offer larger battery options (up to 55kWh) with comparable ranges. The V2L port’s placement and lack of wireless CarPlay are minor oversights, while the touch-sensitive climate panel may be distracting to use. Hyundai’s localization of the K2 platform keeps costs down, but the absence of the e-GMP architecture (used in the Ioniq 5) limits performance compared to global EVs.
Rumors of a 2026 launch were inaccurate, as the Creta Electric debuted in January 2025. Claims of a 500km range in some reports were optimistic, with the 51.4kWh pack’s 473km ARAI rating being more realistic. The Creta Electric’s success hinges on Hyundai’s service network and charging infrastructure, with 10,000 EV charging points planned to support buyers. Compared to the Citroën Basalt Dark Edition, endorsed by MS Dhoni, the Creta Electric offers superior tech but lacks the same celebrity-driven hype.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Creta Electric, launched at ₹17.99–₹24.38 lakh, brings premium features, a 390–473km range, and the Creta’s trusted reputation to India’s electric SUV market. Spied extensively before its January 2025 debut, it combines familiar design with EV-specific upgrades, making it a strong contender against the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE 6. While its conservative styling and modest performance may not excite enthusiasts, its practicality, safety, and value make it a compelling choice for families and urban buyers. Visit Hyundai India’s website or book a test drive at dealerships to explore this electrified midsize SUV.
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