Hyundai has officially launched its first mass-market electric SUV, the Creta Electric, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Delhi. While it marks an important milestone in Hyundai’s EV journey in India, the Creta Electric’s pricing positions it as a premium product, with introductory prices starting at ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Price Analysis: Is the Creta Electric Too Expensive?
The Hyundai Creta Electric is available in five variants, with prices ranging from ₹17.99 lakh to ₹23.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The price list is as follows:
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Executive | ₹17.99 lakh |
| Smart | ₹19.00 lakh |
| Smart (O) | ₹19.50 lakh |
| Smart (O) LR | ₹21.50 lakh |
| Premium | ₹20.00 lakh |
| Excellence LR | ₹23.50 lakh |
While the pricing reflects Hyundai’s strategy to position the Creta Electric as a premium offering, it places the SUV in direct competition with other midsize electric SUVs. Here’s how it compares to key rivals:
- Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Expected to start from ₹18 lakh, with a top variant priced around ₹22.50 lakh.
- Tata Harrier EV: Estimated price range of ₹21 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
- MG ZS EV: Priced between ₹18.98 lakh and ₹25.75 lakh.
- Mahindra BE 6: Priced from ₹18.90 lakh to ₹26.90 lakh.
Despite its premium positioning, the Creta Electric’s pricing raises questions about its value proposition compared to these competitors as it is based on an ICE derived platform and not an all new Born EV platform. Additionally, buyers of the Smart (O), Premium, and Excellence variants must pay an extra ₹73,000 for the 11kW AC wall box charger, further increasing the cost.
Battery Options, Range, and Performance
Hyundai offers the Creta Electric with two battery options:
- 42kWh: Provides an ARAI-claimed range of 390km with a 135hp motor.
- 51.4kWh (Long Range): Offers a range of 473km with a 171hp motor and 255Nm of torque.
The larger battery variant also boasts impressive acceleration, going from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Charging times include:
- 10-80% charge in 58 minutes using a DC fast charger.
- Full charge in 4 hours with an 11kW AC home charger.
While these figures are competitive, rivals like the MG ZS EV also offer similar range and performance at comparable or slightly lower prices.
Design and Features
The Creta Electric’s design remains largely consistent with its ICE counterpart, featuring pixel-like detailing on the front bumper, a sealed-off grille, and unique EV-specific aero alloy wheels. It also includes segment-first features like air flaps that open and close for cooling and airflow.
Inside, the Creta Electric offers a premium cabin with:
- Twin 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation.
- Dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming IRVM.
- Sustainable materials for seat upholstery.
- Shift-by-wire gear selector and rotary drive mode selector.
- Advanced features like single-pedal driving, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and in-car payment functionality.
Safety is a strong focus, with six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree cameras, front parking sensors, and hill-start and descent assist.
Conclusion: A Premium EV with a Hefty Price Tag
The Hyundai Creta Electric is a well-rounded product with advanced features, a competitive range, and a premium design. However, its pricing strategy places it at the upper end of the midsize electric SUV segment, raising concerns about affordability.
For buyers seeking a premium experience, the Creta Electric is a compelling choice. However, those prioritizing value may find more competitive options in the Maruti e Vitara, MG ZS EV, or Tata Harrier EV, all of which offer similar features and range at potentially lower price points. As competition heats up in the midsize electric SUV segment, it remains to be seen how the Creta Electric’s pricing will impact its market reception.
