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In India, the demand graph of electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with environment-friendly and modern technology is increasing rapidly. To dominate this growing market, the country’s two largest car manufacturing companies—Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India—have made full preparations to launch their new and powerful electric cars in the coming time. However, both the giant companies have not yet made any official announcement about the launch date of these upcoming models, but according to automobile reports and insider leaks, these new high-tech EVs can formally hit the Indian market around or by the end of 2026.
In this upcoming competition, while the country’s largest car company Maruti Suzuki is working on a very special and large cabin electric MPV, South Korean giant Hyundai is preparing to launch a small compact electric SUV, which will directly give tough competition to the best-selling vehicles in the market like Tata Punch EV.
Maruti YMC: Maruti’s first electric MPV will be very special
This much-awaited electric MPV from Maruti Suzuki is currently codenamed ‘YMC’ within the company. The biggest feature of this premium model is that it can be built on the same advanced architecture and platform as the company’s first electric SUV ‘eVitara’. Auto experts expect that this model will be launched globally by the end of 2026 and its commercial sales may start on Indian roads in early 2027.
The pictures captured on camera during the recent testing (road trial) clearly show that the visual design of this electric MPV can be quite different from the traditional vehicles of Maruti and have a bold boxy style. Talking about the features, it is expected to have great visual elements like a high front profile, attractive large headlamps, large alloy wheels with aerodynamic design and modern connected tail lamps in the rear profile.
On the battery, power and driving range front, this new electric MPV from Maruti will share the powertrain with its sister car eVitara. Under this, there is a strong possibility of customers getting two big battery pack options of 49kWh and 61kWh. It is believed that its larger battery variant will be able to provide a long and impressive range of up to 543 kilometers in a single full charge, which will make long distance family travel very easy.
Hyundai HE1i: Hyundai’s small EV SUV will raise the market temperature
On the other hand, Hyundai India is also preparing a new small electric SUV targeting the Indian middle class and budget buyers, which is currently codenamed ‘HE1i’. This could be Hyundai’s first mass-market electric SUV in India which will be available to the common people at a low price. As soon as it is launched in the market, it is sure to compete directly with established cars like Tata Punch EV and Citroen e-C3.
This new mini electric car will be based on Hyundai’s famous E-GMP (K) platform. Promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, it will be completely manufactured in India. The company is specifically tuning and designing it keeping in mind the Indian road conditions, weather and the basic needs and preferences of local customers.
Hyundai’s mini SUV will get two battery options and advanced ADAS
Talking about the mechanical specifications of this upcoming electric SUV (HE1i) of Hyundai, it is also expected to get two different battery options as per the choice and budget of the customers:
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Standard and Long Range versions: A Standard range for everyday use within the city and a Long Range version for long journeys on the highway will be offered.
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Battery Pack Details: According to reports, it can be provided with two modern lithium-ion battery packs of 42kWh and 49kWh, which will come with better fast charging capability.
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Interior and Tech Features: The cabin of the car is being given a completely futuristic look. It can see very modern and premium features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, support for over-the-air (OTA) software updates, digital instrument cluster, connected car tech and level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) to ensure the safety of passengers.
With the entry of these two new electric cars of Maruti and Hyundai in the Indian automobile market, competition in the EV market will reach a whole new level. With a combination of aggressive and low pricing, excellent driving range and advanced features, both the leading companies will leave no stone unturned in attracting more and more traditional fuel (petrol-diesel) customers of the country towards green and electric mobility.