Hyundai Creta Electric Review: Long-Awaited EV Is Familiar And Feature-Loaded

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Nov 18
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Introduction

The Indian EV landscape is evolving rapidly, and Hyundai is steering the charge with the new Hyundai Creta Electric. This long-awaited Electric Vehicle (EV) version of one of India’s bestselling compact SUVs promises to combine the trusted appeal of the Creta with cutting-edge electric technology. Packing a robust battery and a range of up to 473 kilometres, the Hyundai Creta EV aims to deliver an ambitious blend of performance, practicality, and premium features tuned for Indian roads.

In this detailed first drive review, we’ll dive deep into the driving experience, real-world range, design changes, tech highlights, and overall value proposition of the Hyundai Creta Electric to help you decide if it’s time to switch to an electric SUV in India.

The Hyundai Creta EV at a Glance

Hyundai’s approach with the Creta Electric is straightforward: retain the popular, well-loved design and comfort of the petrol/diesel Creta but electrify the powertrain and add a suite of modern EV features. This gives buyers a familiar SUV, but with zero tailpipe emissions and significant cost savings in running.

Battery & Range: The electric Creta comes equipped with a 50.3 kWh battery pack, which Hyundai promises delivers a driving range of up to 473 km on a single full charge under ideal conditions.
Charging: It supports fast charging that can replenish up to 80% battery within an hour at compatible fast charging stations, easing concerns about long charging waits.
Powertrain: It produces approximately 160 PS of power and 320 Nm of instant torque, delivering lively acceleration and city-friendly driveability.

Design and Interior: Familiar but Slightly Updated

Visually, the Hyundai Creta EV maintains the compact SUV’s signature modern styling. The bold cascading grille and LED headlamp setup are retained but feature subtle tweaks such as a closed, aerodynamic grille design to improve efficiency and a distinctive “blue” theme highlighting its electric identity.

Inside, the cabin stays largely unchanged, offering the same premium black and beige color combination, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Unique to the EV are special EV drive mode displays and a regenerative braking control switch integrated into the steering wheel.

The spacious seating for five with supportive seats, ample headroom, and a smooth ride quality make the Creta EV a comfortable urban commuter and family SUV.

Driving Performance and Real-World Experience

The real highlight of the Hyundai Creta Electric lies beneath the hood where the electric motor delivers a swift and silent ride. Instant torque means the SUV is quick off the line, perfect for city traffic and highway merges alike. Unlike petrol or diesel variants, the electric Creta offers a much smoother acceleration curve with no gear shifts interrupting the thrust.

The suspension has been calibrated to accommodate the extra battery weight without compromising ride comfort or handling. Even on uneven city roads and potholes, the Creta EV glides over bumps with minimal harshness.

Regenerative braking works well and can be adjusted, allowing drivers to maximize energy recapture while continuing to enjoy natural driving dynamics.

Battery Range and Charging

Hyundai’s claim of 473 km on a single charge is impressive, especially in the Indian market where EV range anxiety remains a key barrier for adoption.

In realistic conditions—urban driving with mixed highway stretches—the Creta EV typically offers between 350-400 km, depending on driving habits, AC use, and terrain. This still comfortably meets the requirements for daily commutes and weekend trips to nearby cities.

Home charging setup is straightforward, compatible with standard 15-amp sockets as well as dedicated EV chargers. For longer journeys, Hyundai’s growing network of DC fast chargers in India means the 80% fast charge capability cuts down wait times significantly.

Features and Technology

Hyundai doesn’t hold back on feature content in the Creta EV, staying true to its premium positioning. Key highlights include:

Advanced infotainment system with a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen and voice recognition.
Connected car features enabling remote monitoring of battery status, charging, and climate control via a smartphone app.
Multiple drive modes including Eco, Normal, and Sport to tailor performance and efficiency.
A multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters to control regenerative braking intensity.
Safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill assist, and rear parking camera.

These make the Creta Electric a tech-forward, well-rounded offering that appeals to modern Indian consumers seeking convenience and safety alongside eco-friendliness.

Pricing and Competition in India

Hyundai has priced the Creta EV competitively around the ₹22-25 lakh range (ex-showroom), placing it in direct competition with other mid-size electric SUVs like Tata Nexon EV Max and MG ZS EV.

While it does cost notably more than the petrol/diesel Creta, government subsidies under FAME II and lower running costs mean the total cost of ownership could be compelling over time.

Compared to rivals, the benefits are:

Longer claimed range.
Cleaner design continuity without the awkward “EV” look.
Hyundai’s extensive service network across India, reassuring buyers on maintenance.

Pros and Cons of the Hyundai Creta EV

Pros:

Familiar yet refined design loved by Indian buyers.
Competitive real-world range suitable for city and highway use.
Feature-rich, connected car experience.
Smooth, silent performance with instant torque.
Growing charging infrastructure support.

Cons:

Higher upfront price compared to petrol/diesel Creta.
Real-world range varies, especially with AC usage in hot climates.
Slightly heavier than conventional Creta impacting handling dynamics.
Limited availability in some smaller towns as EV adoption grows.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Creta Electric?

Urban professionals and families looking for a reliable, low-maintenance SUV with the benefits of electric power.
Buyers seeking a smooth, quiet driving experience without compromising on style or features.
Environment-conscious customers keen to reduce carbon footprint while enjoying a practical SUV.
Those ready to invest a bit more upfront for long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.

If you spend most daily hours commuting within cities and have access to reliable home or workplace charging, the Creta EV could be a seamless transition to electric mobility.

Conclusion: Hyundai Creta EV in the Indian Market

The Hyundai Creta Electric is a solid and thoughtful entry into India’s burgeoning EV SUV segment. By marrying the comfort and style of the well-established Creta with a modern, efficient electric drivetrain, Hyundai has created a vehicle that’s both familiar and forward-looking.

While it doesn’t radically reinvent the wheel, the Creta EV’s impressive range, premium features, and smooth performance position it as a serious contender for Indian buyers ready to make the electric switch.

As charging infrastructure strengthens and government incentives continue to push EV adoption, the time for a versatile and feature-loaded electric SUV like the Hyundai Creta Electric has arguably arrived.