With the launch of Creta Electric, Hyundai Motor India is eyeing a market share of over 14% in the EV segment in the mid to long term.
18 Jan 2025 | 2376 Views | By Prerna Lidhoo
Hyundai Motor India, which launched the Creta Electric starting at Rs 17.99 lakh, said that the introduction of this model could be the tipping point for India’s EV sales growth this year. In the mid to long term, the company is eyeing a market share of over 14% in the ...
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Hyundai Motor India, which launched the Creta Electric starting at Rs 17.99 lakh, said that the introduction of this model could be the tipping point for India’s EV sales growth this year. In the mid to long term, the company is eyeing a market share of over 14% in the EV segment owing to future launches.
“India is at an early stage of electrification. Last year, four-wheeler EV volume was about a lakh, with a penetration of 2.5%. By 2030, probably the penetration will be 15 to 20%. We think that 2025 and 2026 will be the trigger years where the volume jumps and Creta EV could be the big trigger for that to happen,” Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India said at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.
He explained that when Hyundai launched the Creta in 2015, SUVs made up just 13% of the overall market. The Creta revolutionized this segment, and today, SUVs account for 53% of the market, with Hyundai’s internal SUV share reaching 68%. Garg believes the Creta Electric could have a similar impact on the EV sector, with the electric vehicle market potentially doubling by 2026.
“We have sold 1.1 million Cretas so far. When a big transformation like ICE to EV is happening, customers are looking for reliability. Customers are looking for comfort. Creta Electric will be a big trigger for customers to really see and buy it for a strong brand, a strong product, a great technology, charging infrastructure, and, of course, the great price,” he said.
Creta sold nearly 190,000 units last year, marking an 18% growth. However, Garg refrained from putting specific numbers on future sales of Creta Electric. "I will not like to put a number to it, because numbers restrict you. At the same time, I would say that our production lines are very fungible. As the demand will come, we will keep on looking at the market,” Garg adds.
Creta EV 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 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.