Could the Creta EV be the car that makes Hyundai a sales champion in Malaysia?
Hyundai is actively progressing towards the launch of an all-electric version of its popular Creta SUV, a development that has been widely anticipated and observed through recent sightings of test mules. These electric prototypes have been captured numerous times over the past few months, hinting at Hyundai’s earnest efforts in electrifying its lineup.
Recent developments have shed more light on Hyundai’s electric ambitions for the Indian market. During a virtual media sales conference, Tarun Garg, CEO of Hyundai Motor India, confirmed that the company plans to introduce its first high-volume electric vehicle (EV) in India by January 2025.
Moreover, this move underscores Hyundai’s strategic push towards electric mobility in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The all-electric Creta will share its platform with the internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, leveraging Hyundai’s existing infrastructure and production capabilities at its facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
This approach is expected to optimise production efficiency and cost-effectiveness, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Creta EV in its segment. Initially speculated to house a 45kWh lithium-ion battery pack, slightly smaller than its key competitors such as the MG ZS EV, the Creta EV aims to balance performance and range.
On top of that, in comparison, Maruti Suzuki’s eVX is anticipated to offer variants with larger battery capacities, ranging from 48kWh to 60kWh. Powering the Hyundai Creta EV will be an electric motor similar to that found in the latest-generation Kona Electric, configured for front-wheel drive with an output of 136bhp and 255Nm of torque.
This setup promises to deliver spirited performance while aligning with the car’s intended market positioning as a practical and efficient electric SUV. Unlike Maruti Suzuki’s eVX, which is expected to adopt a distinct platform, the Creta EV will remain rooted in its ICE counterpart’s platform.
Hyundai’s commitment to launching the Creta EV underscores its proactive stance in adapting to the evolving automotive landscape, where electrification is increasingly becoming mainstream. By combining familiar design elements with advanced electric propulsion, Hyundai aims to offer consumers in India a compelling blend of familiarity, efficiency, and forward-thinking tech.
If the Hyundai Creta EV were to be brought here with those specs and the right price, it may just cement the brand in Malaysia as one of the top EV sellers. However, it is not likely Malaysia will see the Creta EV at a competitive enough price.
