Hyundai Creta EV: India’s EV space got a massive shake-up yesterday when Hyundai Motor India took the covers off the much-hyped Creta EV while setting new standards in terms of range, luxury, and technology in the mass market.
They did so with a highly orchestrated event in Delhi where the company’s execs talked up the vehicle’s “democratization of premium electric mobility” – in no uncertain terms, Hyundai is manifesting the luxury EV with the ability to appeal to a larger swath of the population that also has to find a way to resolve the public’s psychological impasse with the roaming rage anxiety that has so far scared them away from EV adoption.
Hyundai Creta EV Range Revolution: Further than Anxiety
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Creta EV is its segment-leading 780km ARAI-claimed range – a number which not only betters every mass-market EV available in India to date, but also the range on offer from far more expensive (multiple times more costly, in fact) luxury EVs. This landmark accomplishment is attributed to the overall efficiency of Hyundai vehicles in various systems.
the soul of this range revolution is a high-density 72 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powered by Lucid’s in-house developed cell chemistry and cooling architecture.
It uses silicon-graphene composite anodes, which offer far superior energy density as well as being lighter than standard lithium-ion cells.
“We understood that there is a major challenge of range anxiety for EVs in a market like India, as we believe it is not only the big cities of India, but also the smaller cities or towns where people really need a car that can serve as an EV, Kim noted during the technical presentation.
“‘Good enough’ never is; instead of make-do solutions and minimill chipping away, we aimed to tear apart the concept of electric vehicle efficiency and start anew to provide the range that eliminates any alternative for virtually every driver’s real-world use without fear of range anxiety.”
More than just the battery, the tremendous range is the result of efficiency at every level of the vehicle. The dedicated electric platform contributes to a low drag coefficient of only 0.27, as the aero effort was led by the Jaguar team who worked to optimize airflow around the upper and lower portion of the vehicle, as well as down the sides and even underneath the I-PACE.
The regenerative braking system has four levels of intensity, adjustable via paddles behind the steering wheel, while an intelligent predictive mode optimises energy recovery through a combination of both traffic .
Quality Construction: Electric Evolution
The Creta EV does look like a typical Creta, yes, but also one that is replete with unique EV touches that set it apart from the best-selling SUV in India.
At the front, the blanked-off parametric grille includes distinctive integrated charging port while a long bonnet, sharp angles and a stretched wheelbase (2,680mm) gives Hyundais latest electric vehicle a unique silhouette, complemented by a light bar that connects two bright LED headlamps together to form a truly unforgettable lighting signature.
The profile retains the recognizable Creta shape, but the new alloy wheels are aerodynamically optimized 18-inch, the flush door handles pop out electronically when the car is approached while blue accents around the body communicate the car’s electric nature without taking the car into overly futuristic territory, like the Nissan Leaf.
In seven color options – including the bold Amazon Grey and Starry Night – the Creta EV’s new Electric Blue with black roof is something especially eye-catching – a mix that has been created specially for the electric range to differentiate it from the ICE models aesthetically.
Executive Cabin: A Surprising Luxury
It has a clear design, a fantastic material quality and, by pushing the boundaries of what a “mass-market” interior should look and feel like, the interior of the Creta EV makes a very big leap.
At the heart of the dash is a curved display on which the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are mounted, offering a unbroken, digital luxury German experience.
Impressive material quality is on show, with plenty of sustainable raw materials used like recycled ocean plastic fabrics, bio-based leatherette and responsibly sourced wood elements – mixing eco-awareness with plushness. It has superior rear legroom despite an exterior smaller in footprint than many of the compact class’s other gas-powered vehicles.
Most notable, however, are the upscale features that have never before been available in this segment. The heating and ventilation are available upfront, camping chairs that we appreciate, while they are also 8-way power adjustable with memory and on the top-end model, even support massage.
Other elements include the 400-watt Bose premium audio system with active noise cancelling, which keep the cabin serene no matter the conditions outside.
The panoramic glass roof features an advanced solar-reflective glass with enhanced glare protection to help control ambient temperatures in the cabin, while the electrochromic glass technology allows the opacity of the roof to be precisely adjusted for maximum atmospheric comfort at the touch of a button.
Performance: Well matched for Indian Road Condition
Beneath its skin, the Creta EV is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, putting out 215 hp and 350 Nm from the get-go – numbers which should provide pretty exhilarating performance, with what the automaker claims as a 0-100 km/h sprint time in 7.7 seconds, while keeping an eye on efficiency to ensure the impressive range.
The bespoke electric platform offers excellent driving dynamics thanks to having the battery pack integrated into the underbody providing for a low center of gravity and weight distribution which is perfectly balanced across both axles.
The suspension setup is MacPherson strut at the front paired with a multi-link rear, and has been tuned in a way to blend agile without the stiffness for Indian road conditions.
Power delivery, steering weight, and climate control-operation are all programmed in three modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport) that can be selected to prioritize maximum efficiency or performance subservient to driver preference and conditions.
What’s more, dedicated drive modes including Snow, Mud and Sand settings, adjust traction control and power delivery to cope with those hostile environments – and all while preserving the Creta’s versatility that customers have come to expect from the SUV sector.
Integrated Technology: Intuitive and Connected
Creta EV is fitted with Hyundai’s industry-leading latest technology package, including the all-new Bluelink connected car and AutoLink technology.
The system provides more than 70 connected features including the ability for motorists to remotely start the car, precondition the cabin temperature, and manage the battery’s state of charge and charging schedule from their smartphone and smartwatch.
The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite features adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, blind‐spot collision avoidance assist and autonomous emergency braking that reduce fatigue on long trips and, importantly, safety in other circumstances ،(isinstance of something).
The navigation system features EV-specific functions, such as route planning with charging infrastructure integration and range prediction that factors in terrain as well as traffic conditions, while also including the plug-and-charge feature to simplify the payment process at compatible charging points.
Charging Solutions: A holistic ecosystem of charging
Understanding that charging infrastructure is still a critical consideration Hyundai has built an entire ecosystem to facilitate Creta EV buyers. The car features 150 kW DC fast charging for 10-80% charge in half an hour in ideal conditions.
More importantly for typical use, Hyundai supplies and installs a 7.2kW AC home charger with J1772 Combo standard, which is good for a full overnight charge of just around 10 hours.
The company is also collaborating with key charging networks to provide complimentary access for one year to Jaguar I-PACE customers using the networks with the applicable terms installed in their respective market. All customers charging on the network will also have access to a smartphone or tablet app and the ability to use a single RFID card for the network.
Hyundai Creta EV Market Positioning and Pricing Structure
While a car like the Creta EV may be seen as premium proposition on the face of it, given that it costs ₹26.90 lakh – ₹33.50 lakh (ex-showroom) across its range, it certainly positioned to be an accessible one in the ever changing electric SUV space.
Though commanding a neat premium over the regular Creta, the price takes into consideration the high levels of tech on offer – while coming a good bit under the asking price of electric vehicles similarly equipped.
This positioning feels calculated to appeal to people that care as much about the environment as what they’re driving and tech heads who want a car with real luxury The luxury of other brands without carrying an actual luxury brand name.
The extended range also overcame practical obstacles to EV ownership that have held back market penetration beyond those who are technologically adventurous, potentially opening the market to buyers that had been wary of electric mobility.
As India races towards its electric mobility goals, the union of known brand identity, exhilarating range and premium feel Creta EV is likely to change the way consumers think about EVs, from niche city convenience to mainstream all-purpose family vehicle/moving asset with practical use across city commute and long steady journeys.