The Hyundai Creta Electric is the Korean carmaker’s first mass-market EV for India. While the Creta Electric retains the core strengths of the ICE-powered Creta it’s based on, like an expansive feature list, capable powertrains, the vaunted SUV bodystyle, etc, it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, and MG ZS EV. Listed below are three reasons why you should buy the Creta Electric, and two reasons why you might want to think twice.
1. Competitive starting price
Rs 17.99 lakh
The Creta Electric appeals to price-conscious buyers by being on the more affordable side of its segment. With a Rs 17.99 lakh starting price, the Creta Electric is Rs 50,000 costlier than the Curvv EV, but matches the ZS EV’s starting price and undercuts the BE 6 by Rs 91,000.
2. Excellent real-world range and performance
Over 400km of real-world range and very easy to drive
In our preliminary testing, the Creta Electric achieved a real-world driving range of around 426km – the ARAI-certified figure stands at 473km – when equipped with the 51.4kWh battery pack option. Moreover, the Creta Electric’s driving experience is nothing short of effortless, owing to its brisk acceleration, smooth power delivery thanks to the powertrain’s 171hp and 255Nm output, and the quiet and refined character typical of an EV. The regenerative braking is well-tuned and adds to the overall driving ease as well.
| Hyundai Creta Electric battery and range specs | |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity (kWh) | 42 / 51.4 |
| Electric motor | Single motor, mounted on front axle |
| Power (hp) | 135 / 171 |
| Torque (Nm) | 255 |
| Gearbox | 1-speed automatic |
| Claimed range (km) | 390 / 473 |
| 0-100kph time (seconds) | 7.9 (51.4kWh) |
3. Feature-rich cabin
As is usual with Hyundai cars, the Creta Electric comes with a long list of goodies (depending on the chosen variant), namely a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated and powered front seats, rain-sensing wipers, 8-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, electrically-controlled boss mode for rear passengers, and lots more.
Innovative in-car payment system for EV chargers
Among the more novel features of the Creta Electric is an in-car EV payment system, which works in conjunction with an app that connects to over 10,000 charging stations nationwide.
Now, let’s delve into a couple of the Hyundai Creta Electric’s most notable drawbacks.
1. Misses out on a few key features
Only wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay supported
Despite the high equipment levels on offer, the Creta Electric oddly lacks wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, a feature offered by all of its rivals. The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is also on the smaller side by segment standards – even more so considering the BE 6 offers a triple-screen setup in higher variants – and other omissions like a rear centre headrest and adjustable front armrest are hard to ignore at the Creta Electric’s price.
2. Slightly compromised comfort due to EV conversion
Heavier steering and stiffer ride than ICE Creta
Since the Creta Electric isn’t a born-EV like the BE 6 and is instead based on a modified ICE platform, its battery placement results in a raised cabin floor, which creates a bit of an awkward knees-up seating position in the back. Additionally, Hyundai has stiffened up the Creta Electric’s suspension to support the added weight of the battery and motors, leading to a firmer ride and noticeably heavier steering feel than its ICE counterpart.
All prices ex-showroom, India.
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