Hyundai Creta priced at Rs 17.99 lakh, Co to set up 600 fast-charging stations

The Korean company announced the introductory price of Creta EV at Rs 17.99 lakh at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 today.

By Shruti Shiraguppi and Darshan Nakhwa calendar 17 Jan 2025 Views icon15799 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp
Hyundai Creta priced at Rs 17.99 lakh, Co to set up 600 fast-charging stations

Hyundai Motor India today announced that the price of Creta EV will be Rs 17.99 lakh, and said it will set up a pan-India fast charging network of 600 stations.

This electric SUV comes in two battery options: a 42kWh with a 390km range and a 51.4kWh boasting a 473km range. The long-range variant delivers 126 kW (171 PS) of power, while the standard version produces 99 kW (135 PS). With a starting price of Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts its main competitor, the Tata Nexon EV Max.   

The Creta EV retains the familiar design of its combustion engine counterpart but incorporates EV-specific features like a closed-off grille and aerodynamic wheels.

Inside, you'll find a dual 10.25-inch screen setup for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.  Hyundai claims a 0-100kmph time of 7.9 seconds for the long-range variant. Fast charging capabilities allow for a 10-80% charge in under an hour using a 50kW DC charger.

The vehicle represents a significant milestone in India's electric vehicle landscape, launching as HMIL's first indigenous electric SUV. 

Performance-wise, the CRETA Electric achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds. The vehicle features an IP67-rated battery pack, tested for durability through water soak tests and a 16-feet drop test, demonstrating its robustness for various weather conditions and terrains.

Charging capabilities are comprehensive, with multiple options available. Using an 11 kW fast AC charger, the vehicle can be charged from 10% to 100% in approximately 4 hours for the 42 kWh variant and 4 hours 50 minutes for the 51.4 kWh version. DC fast charging capabilities allow charging from 10% to 80% in 58 minutes using a 50 kW charger, while 100 kW charging capability (available from second half of 2025) reduces this time to 39 minutes.

The vehicle incorporates advanced technologies including ADAS-linked regenerative braking, which automatically adjusts based on the distance from vehicles ahead. The i-Pedal technology enables single-pedal driving, while Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows the car to power external devices. The integrated charging ecosystem provides access to over 10,000 charging points across India through the myHyundai app.

Safety features are extensive, with more than 75 advanced safety features including 52 standard features across all variants. The vehicle is built with approximately 75% Advanced High Strength Steel and High Strength Steel, featuring Level 2 ADAS with 19 tech-enabled safety functions.

Dimensionally, the CRETA Electric measures 4340mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1655mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2610mm. It offers practical storage solutions with a 22-liter frunk and 433-liter boot space.

The vehicle comes with comprehensive warranty coverage: a 3-year unlimited kilometer vehicle warranty, 8-year/1.6 lakh km battery warranty, and 3 years of complimentary roadside assistance.

Pricing starts at INR 17,99,000 for the base Executive variant with 42 kWh battery, ranging up to INR 23,49,900 for the top Excellence LR variant with the 51.4 kWh battery pack.

Charging Network

Hyundai also announced a network of fast charging stations, to be set up over seven years, said the company, adding that 50 stations have already been set up across key cities and national highways. 

The company also has a myHyundai app that can help users locate and access over 10,000 EV charging points across the country.

Fast charging networks are critical infrastructure that directly impact EV adoption rates. They address "range anxiety" - a primary concern for potential EV buyers - by providing confidence that drivers can complete longer journeys without lengthy charging delays. 

The availability of high-speed charging stations along major routes makes EVs practical for a broader range of users, from daily commuters to long-distance travelers.

A robust charging network also increases the resale value of EVs and makes them viable alternatives for people who can't charge at home, such as apartment dwellers. Companies like Tesla have demonstrated how a reliable, extensive fast-charging network can significantly boost consumer confidence and, consequently, EV sales.

Battery Manufacturing

The highlight of the event was the Hyundai Creta EV. The Creta, in its traditional avatar, has become  the most successful SUV in India.

The EV version of Creta will be powered by locally assembled battery packs from Hyundai’s battery assembly plant in Chennai.

Batteries are the heart of electric vehicles, representing both their most crucial component and typically their highest cost element, accounting for 30-40% of the total vehicle cost. The battery determines fundamental aspects of an EV's performance including range, charging speed, and overall reliability. As demand for EVs continues to grow globally, securing a stable battery supply chain has become a strategic imperative.

For EV manufacturers, in-house battery production offers several critical advantages. It enables greater control over quality, allows for customized battery designs optimized for specific vehicle models, and reduces dependency on external suppliers. 

Companies like Tesla and BYD have demonstrated how vertical integration in battery production can lead to competitive advantages in cost reduction and technology development.

For countries, domestic battery production capability is increasingly viewed as a matter of economic and national security. This is particularly important given that traditional battery supply chains have been dominated by a few countries, primarily in East Asia.

The ability to innovate in battery technology – from chemistry to manufacturing processes – can provide a sustainable competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving EV market.

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