Hyundai plans to introduce EV range in India

South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor is planning to introduce its full range of electric vehicles in India as it tries to expand its product offerings to compete with market leader Maruti Suzuki for a bigger share of the Indian roads. Y.K. Koo, MD of Hyundai Motor India, said the aim is to have a range of electric cars in India and cater to buyers in different price segments. The company is currently studying various aspects of battery manufacturing and sourcing parts from the local market Koo said: “We will be adopting a top-down approach for EVs in the country. After the assembly of Kona EV, we are exploring if we can manufacture compact SUVs and sedan electric vehicles in India. “We want to have deeper footprints in the Indian electric vehicle market and are eagerly waiting for government′s support in this direction. Kona is the starting point, and we have to select one product to start manufacturing from our Chennai plant - but it will take a little bit of time.” On the conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, Hyundai has committed over a billion dollars in India, which will be used to churn out eight cars in the next three years. If at all the company decides to move into mainstream manufacturing in India, it will call for fresh investments in the country.