Hyundai aims to deploy nearly 600 public electric vehicle rapid charging stations across India within the next seven years, as part of a major endeavour to accelerate the pace of EV adoption in the country and invest in a region rich with promise.
According to Hyundai executive Jae Wan Ryu, the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is expected to accelerate by 2030, with Hyundai poised to drive this growth forward by expanding its infrastructure. The initiative aims to address the issue of lengthy highway commutes by strategically installing fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on prominent highways and connecting them to major urban centers. India currently boasts a network of approximately 12,146 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Hyundai has inked a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government to install 100 electric vehicle charging stations across the state by 2027, with 10 stations slated for operation by year-end. By year’s end, the corporation is expected to establish a network of at least 50 rapid charging stations across the country.
Since its inception, the company’s charging network has been utilized by over 10,000 clients, resulting in approximately 50,000 charging sessions and a cumulative energy consumption of 7.3 lakh units. The South Korean automaker’s rapid chargers boast a peak charging capacity of up to 150 kilowatts.
Hyundai’s latest move is part of its strategy to build a robust portfolio of regionally manufactured electric vehicles, capitalizing on the convenience of rapid charging. To date, Hyundai’s affiliate in South Korea has delivered approximately 4,061 electric vehicles (EVs), comprising the pioneering first-generation Kona Electric and its predecessor, the updated Ioniq 5.
Subsequent to this, Hyundai’s plans will involve introducing a revamped version of its top-selling sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Creta, in India. The corporation will debut its Creta EV at the Bharat Mobility International Expo next month. By the end of 2026, a new electric vehicle will hit the market, specifically designed as a crossover that can compete directly with Citroen’s e-C3.
Electrek’s Take
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by recent government initiatives and increased investments from both domestic and international EV companies. As many countries slow their pace, China and the UK among them, India is forging ahead, its electric vehicle (EV) sales surging forward. To incentivize eco-friendly transportation, government-sanctioned companies are allowed to bring in electric vehicles at a reduced 15% customs duty on vehicles priced $35,000 or higher, a lower rate than the standard tariff. Firms can import up to 8,000 electric vehicles annually at this reduced rate, with any unused import quotas transferable to subsequent years. Despite these encouraging signs, numerous obstacles remain to convince companies to take the plunge. Tesla’s initial plan to build a $2 billion manufacturing facility in India has been put on hold, prompting the government to reassess the need for additional incentives to drive electric vehicle adoption forward.
