Hyundai trademarks IONIQ P name for new Indian entry-level EV

Hyundai has filed a trademark application for the name IONIQ P, a step that suggests the name will be used for a new small electric SUV made for India. The company mentioned the name on an earnings call, and the filing covers automobiles and their parts under Class 12. Hyundai has not yet officially named the HE1i project as the IONIQ P.

The car will sit below the Creta Electric in Hyundai India's line-up and is expected to be the cheapest electric car the company sells in the country. It will compete with the Tata Nexon EV, the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and the Kia Syros EV, among others. Hyundai developed the HE1i as a standalone electric vehicle rather than an electric version of an existing petrol or diesel model.

Design and features

Camouflaged test vehicles show an upright front end, a nearly flat roof and boxy proportions. Slim LED daytime running lights sit above the main headlamps. The taller cabin and straighter roofline set it apart from the rounder Creta Electric. Hyundai has already confirmed a new-generation infotainment system and Level 2 driver assistance features for the India model.

Production and battery supply

The SUV is slated for production at Hyundai's factory in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Early cars will use battery cells imported from Svolt, after delays at the domestic cell plant run by Exide Industries. Hyundai plans to switch to locally made Exide cells later. The company expects prices to stay competitive from the start.

For buyers in India, the car could bring Hyundai's electric range to a lower price point than the Creta Electric. Hyundai has not yet announced a price, launch date or battery specifications.

It is not yet clear when the car will go on sale. Hyundai has not confirmed the final name, price or launch timing.