Upcoming Sub-Compact Electric SUVs - XUV 3XO EV, Inster EV

Despite slowing demand for electric cars, automakers are still betting on electric SUVs to drive sales in near future. We have seen the success of Tata Motors and MG Motors in recent times, and several other brands are now ready with their mass-market EVs for India. The Tata Nexon EV and Punch EV are the top selling SUVs; however, the segment will soon witness the arrival of 3 new electric SUVs. Let's talk in detail about the upcoming sub-compact electric SUVs in India - 

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Mahindra has recently introduced two of its highly anticipated electric SUVs including the BE 6 and XEV 9e. However, the company is also planning to add an all-new electric SUV based on the XUV 3XO to rival the likes of Tata Nexon EV. In fact, the electric SUV has been caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads. 

The XUV 3XO EV is likely to be equipped with a 34.5kWh battery pack that is offered on the lower-spec variants of the XUV400 EV. Details about the electric motor specifications and range are yet to be revealed, but we expect the electric SUV to offer a realistic range of around 250-300km on a single charge. 

Kia Syros EV

The Korean brand, Kia has recently showcased the Syros SUV in the Indian market. Set to make public debut at Auto Expo 2025, the new Kia Syros will slot between the Sonet and Seltos in the brand's line-up. The new model will also receive an electric derivative in the country by the end of 2025 or early 2026. 

The electric derivative will be based on the modified version of the existing ICE platform. The new model is likely to share its battery pack and electric motor with the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. It is expected to feature a 45kWh battery pack and a front-axle-mounted electric motor. Expect the new model to offer a range of around 400km on a single charge. It will rival the Tata Nexon EV and the upcoming Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.

Hyundai Inster EV

The Korean automaker, Hyundai will launch an all-new entry-level electric SUV based on the Inster EV in the country in 2026. Codenamed HE1i, the new sub-compact electric SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai's Sriperumbudur factory. The India-spec Inster EV will be based on Hyundai's global and affordable E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the Casper EV. 

The India-spec Hyundai Inster EV will be based on Hyundai's global and affordable E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the Casper EV. It is 230mm longer and 15mm wider than the Casper, while the boot space is also increased from 280-litres to 351-litres. The e-SUV is expected to get a 42kWh battery pack as standard. A long range 49kWh battery could also come as an option. It is claimed to offer a certified range of 355km on a full charge.