Hyundai’s journey with electric mobility in India began with the Hyundai Kona, a car that was somewhat ahead of its time in this country. Launched when the Indian market was still warming up to EVs, it still managed to capture attention, with its solid performance and innovative technology. However, it was the Hyundai IONIQ 5 that truly showed Hyundai’s chops in the EV segment. Winning many international accolades, the IONIQ 5 demonstrated Hyundai’s ability to deliver world-class electric vehicles, alongside stunning design and exceptional performance.
The IONIQ 5’s success has given Hyundai the confidence to expand its EV lineup in India. Not only has the company scaled up its network of fast chargers—it has the highest number of 150 kW chargers deployed by any OEM— it also accelerated the development of new EV models. Enter the Creta EV, an electric iteration of India’s best-selling SUV. With the Creta EV, Hyundai’s plan is clear – to dominate the growing EV market by offering a product that combines familiarity with futuristic technology. We made it to Chennai on an overcast day, hoping the rain would hold out, in order to check out whether this car delivers what it promises.
The Creta EV closely mirrors its ICE counterpart in terms of design, with a few subtle tweaks that differentiate it as an electric vehicle. The most noticeable change is the absence of a traditional grille, which has been replaced by a charging flap at the front. The pixelated LED accents—a signature of Hyundai’s electric design language—add a modern touch, while the H-shaped LED headlights lend the car a bold look.
From the side, the silhouette remains identical to the regular Creta, retaining its well-balanced proportions and SUV character. At the rear, the Creta EV has pixelated LED tail lights and an ‘Electric’ badge, hinting at its new powertrain. With 10 colour options – Blue Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic, Fiery Red Pearl Metallic, Atlas White Metallic, Atlas White with black roof, Abyss Black Pearl Metallic, Robust Emerald Matte, Starry Night Metallic, and Titan Grey Matte – the Creta EV is a smart-looking car, no doubt about it.
Inside the cabin, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more premium than its ICE sibling. Hyundai has used a combination of light and dark tones to create a sense of space, and make it feel a bit more premium. The twin 10.25-inch screens—one for the infotainment system and the other for the digital instrument cluster—are crisp and intuitive to use. Below these screens, touch-enabled climate control buttons blend seamlessly into the dashboard.
The centre console offers practical storage solutions, including cup holders (a basic feature that some competitors miss out on). However, unlike the IONIQ 5, the console is fixed and doesn’t slide, which could have added an extra layer of versatility.
One of the standout design features is the new three-spoke steering wheel. It’s ergonomically designed, with physical buttons for controlling audio and ADAS features. Interestingly, the Hyundai logo is replaced by four dots—a nod to Morse code for the letter ‘H’— a subtle yet stylish differentiator for Hyundai’s EV lineup. The cabin excels in terms of comfort and practicality; the seats are sculpted to provide excellent support, with both front seats offering power adjustability. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, thanks to cleverly designed, hollowed-out seatbacks. For longer journeys, the rear seats ensure a cocooned and relaxing experience.
Boot space is generous at 433 litres, accommodating luggage for family trips with ease. Additionally, Hyundai has included a 22-litre ‘frunk’, which is perfect for small bags or groceries.
Hyundai has equipped the Creta EV with a host of advanced features, not least of which is a full-spec ADAS Level 2 suite. The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though wireless CarPlay will be introduced via a future over-the-air update. The car also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing owners to use the EV as a power bank for appliances like lights, hot plates, or camping gear. Another nifty addition is the digital key feature. By integrating the key into a smartphone’s wallet app, users can lock, unlock, and start the car without needing a physical key. Oh, and you can also pay for charging at Hyundai chargers right from the infotainment screen.
The Creta EV has two battery pack options; the larger 51.4 kWh battery pack provides a claimed range of 473 km on a single charge, and delivers 168.6 bhp. This option is ideal for those who prioritise longer journeys and enjoy a more spirited driving experience. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with a slightly shorter range, the 42 kWh battery pack offers a respectable 390 km of claimed range, and produces 133.1 bhp. This smaller battery pack provides a good balance of range and affordability, making it suitable for daily commutes and shorter trips. During our drive in Chennai, the Creta EV’s range calibration impressed us. After driving 85 km, the battery’s remaining range was consistent with Hyundai’s claims, even with spirited driving.
Performance-wise, the Creta EV accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than its ICE counterparts. The power delivery is smooth and linear, avoiding the snappy starts typical of some EVs. While the sport mode offers sharper throttle response, it prioritises refinement over aggressiveness, which we found preferable for everyday driving. With the braking regeneration set to i-Pedal, it’s possible to experience true one-pedal driving; the system works very well indeed.
Weighing approximately 200 kg more than the ICE Creta, the EV version benefits from a more planted and stable feel on the road. The suspension setup is excellent, absorbing bumps and potholes effortlessly, while the steering offers good feedback and precision; it also feels heavier in the hands, which is an additional plus. Whether navigating city streets or cruising at triple-digit speeds, the Creta EV inspires confidence and delivers a comfortable ride. Hard cornering does display some understeer, but it’s of the sort that is actually preferable, for the majority of drivers; better understeer than oversteer, that’s for sure.
Charging the Creta EV is a hassle-free experience. With a DC fast charger, the battery can go from 10 to 80 per cent in around 58 minutes. Using an 11 kW wall-mounted home charger, a full charge takes approximately four hours. These options ensure flexibility for different charging scenarios, making the Creta EV a practical choice for urban and long-distance driving alike.
By retaining the familiar strengths of the Creta—space, comfort, features, practicality—and adding electrification, Hyundai has created a product that will appeal to both loyal customers and first-time EV buyers. The transition from an ICE platform to an EV has been seamlessly executed, with the Creta EV fitting like a glove within its familiar form. While the sports mode could have been more exciting, and the battery capacity slightly larger, the overall package checks almost every box for buyers in this segment.
With its excellent build quality, seamless performance, and extensive feature list, the Creta EV seems set to make a significant impact in India’s EV market. In fact – and we never thought we would say this – it feels like a better car than its ICE counterparts. For those looking for an electric SUV that feels familiar yet futuristic, the Creta EV is an excellent choice.
