New Hyundai Electric SUV Spied At Fast Charging Station – Diff Headlamp Setups Seen

Hyundai’s upcoming HE1i compact electric SUV has been spotted at a charging station in Vijayawada, while another road-going prototype reveals a different headlamp arrangement.

Hyundai’s upcoming sub-4-metre electric SUV, codenamed HE1i, has been spotted in two separate sightings, revealing new details about its lighting and charging tests. One prototype was photographed at Hyundai Maya Autobahn Station in Vijayawada, while another was seen undergoing road testing.

The charging-station images were shared by Dr. Md. Iftequar Ali, while the road-going prototype was photographed by Reddit user u/lightnextnow. Expected to sit below Creta Electric, the new SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu.

Tester Enquires About 120 kW Charger

According to Ali, the Hyundai team was looking for a 120 kW charging connector was available at the Vijayawada location. Interestingly, Creta Electric on sale in India supports 100 kW DC fast charging. The station’s online listing shows two DC charging units rated at 180 kW and 120 kW, each with two CCS-2 connectors.

However, neither the station’s maximum output nor the tester’s enquiry establishes the SUV’s peak charging rate. A vehicle can connect to a higher-rated charger while drawing less power. Hyundai has yet to announce HE1i’s charging specifications. The location is also relevant as Hyundai expands its fast-charging network across India ahead of further EV introductions.

Two Different Headlamp Configurations

A closer comparison of the prototypes reveals a possible variant-specific difference. The vehicle at the charging station appears to feature slim horizontal lighting elements inside its lower headlamp housing, visible behind a mesh covering.

The road-going test mule, meanwhile, exposes a larger projector-style assembly in the same position. Both have a similar slim upper lighting strip, indicating a split-headlamp arrangement. These differences suggest Hyundai could be testing separate lighting packages across variants.

Boxy Profile And Geometric Alloys

Both prototypes feature an upright cabin, large windows and a relatively flat roofline. Geometric dual-tone alloy wheels are visible, while the road-going vehicle also reveals roof rails and compact horizontal rear lamps through openings in its covers.

Heavy fabric camouflage continues to conceal the bumpers, doors and tailgate. Nevertheless, the proportions point towards a compact SUV designed to offer a spacious cabin within a sub-4-metre footprint.

Earlier interior sightings have suggested a large central touchscreen accompanied by a slim driver display. Hyundai has indicated that its upcoming compact EV will receive next-generation infotainment and Level 2 ADAS, with Pleos Connect expected to form part of the technology package.

Launch Expected At Auto Expo 2027 in Feb

HE1i is reported to use Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) architecture, with links to the internationally sold Inster. The latter offers 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery options, although neither has been confirmed for the Indian model. Its certified range and charging times remain awaited.

Localisation is expected to play an important role in pricing, with Hyundai’s battery-sourcing plans including a subsequent transition to locally manufactured Exide cells. The final equipment list and variant mix have not been announced.

The compact EV is expected to debut by the end of 2026, with its market launch anticipated to take place at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2027 in Feb next year. Alongside the upcoming Bayon, it will expand Hyundai’s SUV portfolio while offering electric-car buyers a smaller alternative to Creta Electric.