The Hyundai Ioniq P is the name now linked to Hyundai's first small electric SUV made for India. Hyundai has not confirmed the name yet. But its India boss has now given a clear launch window. He says the car comes in early 2027. Here is what we know for sure, what is only expected, and what it could mean for your next EV.
Hyundai Ioniq P: the news in short
Two events this week put this car in the spotlight. On 28 October 2026, Hyundai Motor India held its Q2 FY27 earnings call. MD and CEO Tarun Garg said the company is "fully geared up" to launch its "dedicated mass market EV" in Q4 FY27. That is the January to March 2027 window. When asked for more detail, he said "January, February 2027".
A day later, Hyundai Motor Company in Korea held its own Q3 call. Reports from Autocar India and Electrek say the company used the name Ioniq P for its India EV, which follows the new Bayon. Hyundai did not clearly tie that name to the car, which is known inside the company by the codename HE1i. Hyundai Motor Company also filed an "IONIQ P" trade mark in India on 22 July 2026, as per IP India records. So the name looks likely, but it is still not official.
What Hyundai has confirmed
Most of the solid facts come from the India call. Here is what Tarun Garg said on record.
- It is a small SUV under four metres long, in the same segment as the Venue.
- It is not an electric Venue. He called it a "dedicated EV" that "has been designed keeping India in mind".
- It will be built at the Chennai plant, along with the Bayon.
- Battery packs are already being made locally. Power electronics, including the ICCU, will be localised before launch.
- Hyundai aims to make the car PLI compliant, but will only say so once the car is ready.
Hyundai's global CEO, Jose Munoz, also spoke about India at the company's CEO Investor Day this year. He said "a brand new compact SUV EV is coming, designed and localized for India." He added that electrified cars should make up half of Hyundai's India sales by 2030.
Confirmed vs expected: quick table
| Detail | Status | What we know |
|---|---|---|
| Launch timing | Confirmed by Hyundai India | Q4 FY27, MD said January or February 2027 |
| Body type and size | Confirmed | Compact SUV under 4 metres, Venue segment |
| Platform | Confirmed in part | Dedicated EV, not based on the petrol Venue |
| Plant | Confirmed | Hyundai's Chennai plant |
| Name | Expected | Ioniq P, as per reports and a trade mark filing |
| Battery and range | Expected | Two battery sizes, as per reports. Figures TBA |
| Features | Expected | Level 2 ADAS and a new touchscreen system, as per reports |
| Price | TBA | Hyundai has not shared any price |
Is the Ioniq P an Indian Hyundai Inster?
This is the big question. Hyundai already sells a small EV called the Inster in Europe and Korea. Autocar India reports that the India car will use the same base as the Inster, with a Standard Range and a Long Range version. But other reports say it could borrow parts from the Kia Syros EV instead. Hyundai has not said which one is right. So treat both as guesses for now.
What we can say is that the India car will not look the same as the Inster. Test cars have been seen near Hyundai's Chennai plant under heavy cover. The photos in this story show the Inster, and we use them only to give you an idea of Hyundai's current small EV.
Hyundai Inster specs, for reference only
These are Hyundai's official figures for the Inster sold in Europe. They are not the Ioniq P specs. The India car may get different numbers, and its range will be tested on the Indian cycle, not WLTP.
| Hyundai Inster (Europe) | Standard | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 42 kWh | 49 kWh |
| Power | 97 PS | 115 PS |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Top speed | 140 kmph | 150 kmph |
| WLTP range (15 inch wheels) | 327 km | 370 km |
| DC fast charge, 10 to 80 percent | About 30 minutes (49 kWh) | |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | |
You can read our full take on that car in our Hyundai Inster review, or see its details on the Hyundai Inster page.
Expected features
Autocar India reports that the car will get Level 2 ADAS and a next generation touchscreen system. Early cars may use imported battery cells, with local cells to follow later. Hyundai has not shared a feature list. We will update this story once it does.
Hyundai Ioniq P price: what to expect
Hyundai has not given any price. Its India team calls it a "mass market EV", and it will sit below the Hyundai Creta Electric. That tells us it should cost less than the Creta Electric. One report, from CarWale, guesses a price of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 17.5 lakh (ex-showroom). That is only an estimate. It is not from Hyundai, so please take it with care.
The local battery packs could help. Making more parts in India usually helps keep the price down. If the car also meets PLI rules, that could help Hyundai too. But the final price will only be clear at launch.
Which cars will it take on?
The small electric SUV space is busy. The Ioniq P is expected to rival the Tata Nexon EV, the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and the Kia Syros EV. Tata is also working on an update for its best seller. Read what we know about the 2027 Tata Nexon EV.
Hyundai needs this car. On the India call, an analyst said Hyundai's EV share is around 2 percent of its sales. Garg said the whole industry is at about 6.5 percent this year. He said the new EV should help Hyundai reach about 7 to 7.5 percent next fiscal year.
Why this matters for buyers
Hyundai has a big petrol line up in this size, led by the Hyundai Venue. The new Hyundai Bayon joins it now. A small EV from the same brand gives buyers one more choice with a wide service network. If you plan to buy an EV in the next few months, it may be worth waiting to see the price. If you need a car now, the current rivals are already on sale. Our guide on how to charge an electric car at home can help you plan either way.
FAQs
What is the Hyundai Ioniq P?
It is the expected name of Hyundai's first small electric SUV made for India. The codename is HE1i. Hyundai has not confirmed the name yet, but it has filed an IONIQ P trade mark in India.
When will the Hyundai Ioniq P launch in India?
Hyundai Motor India says its mass market EV will launch in Q4 FY27. Its MD said that means January or February 2027. The exact date is TBA.
What will be the price of the Hyundai Ioniq P?
Hyundai has not announced a price. It will sit below the Creta Electric. Any price you see now is only an estimate.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq P the same as the Hyundai Inster?
No, not exactly. Reports say it may share parts with the Inster, but Hyundai says it is designed for India. Its looks and specs are expected to be different.
Where will the Hyundai Ioniq P be made?
Hyundai says it will be built at its Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, the same plant that makes the Bayon.
Which cars will the Hyundai Ioniq P rival?
It is expected to take on the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Kia Syros EV.
Sources: Hyundai Motor India Q2 FY27 earnings call (28 October 2026), Hyundai Motor Company CEO Investor Day and Q3 2026 call, Hyundai Motor Europe Inster press kit, IP India trade mark records, Autocar India, Electrek and CarWale. Items marked expected or TBA are not confirmed by Hyundai.
