ELECTRIC START

With the Creta, Hyundai set a new benchmark in the Indian SUV space. Can they replicate that success with the Creta Electric?

- ISHAN RAGHAVA

The Creta has been one of the biggest blockbuster successes in the Indian market in recent times. Since its launch in 2015, it has set benchmarks for mid-size SUVs, consistently breaking sales records and securing Hyundai India a huge share of the SUV market. With increasing regulatory pressure and a gradual rise in customer demand, an EV version of the Creta was the next logical step. That said, EV adoption in India is still paltry at best, and the overall sales figures reflect it quite conspicuously - the recent figures suggest that EVs account for just about 2.5% of the four-wheeler market.

Given the Creta's immense popularity and its EV version's promising capabilities, can the Creta EV redefine the game for electric mobility - just as the Creta did in the SUV market? We spent a day with the Creta EV in Chennai to find out exactly that.

FAMILIAR, YET DISTINCT

If you look at the global EV landscape, you'll notice two different design approaches. Some automakers opt for somewhat absurd, futuristic designs to set EVs apart from conventional cars, while others take a more subtle approach, making slight changes to existing designs, giving EVs a more conventional touch. Hyundai has chosen the latter, the safer approach, for the Creta, ensuring that it retains the familiar identity of its ICE counterpart while incorporating enough distinguishing bits to make it stand out as an EV. Key design changes include a blanked-out face and redesigned bumpers. There is also a front-facing EV charging port, which is likely to make charging a bit easier. There are also openable flaps in the bumpers for cooling, while the gloss back and silver elements add a premium touch to the overall design.