Hyundai Motor India Limited Launches Hyundai IONIQ 5 At Auto Expo 2023

Tire Technology Expo  Now Postponed To April 2022

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in India at Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2023 on Wednesday. Hyundai IONIQ 5 will be the company’s first dedicated EV model for customers who want to be in charge of a more sustainable future.

Commenting on the launch, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As we evolve towards a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow, Hyundai is proud to introduce IONIQ brand to India with the launch of Hyundai IONIQ 5, symbolising our commitment to ‘Progress for humanity’. Reflecting our vision, with Hyundai IONIQ 5, we are aspiring to give customers quality time and make their mobility journey as rewarding and worthwhile as possible. Hyundai IONIQ 5 represents our shift towards future mobility with tenets that encapsulate intelligent technology, innovation and sustainability. Driving the pump to plug revolution, Hyundai IONIQ 5 will pave the way for faster adoption of electric mobility and build customer confidence towards truly liberating electric mobility solutions.”

This latest car has been launched in India on the underpinnings of E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) that will pave the way for a new era of electric mobility lifestyle and has been anchored on the pillars of modularity, performance, reliability and usability. Each of these pillars are perfectly personified by Hyundai IONIQ 5, claims Hyundai Motor India.

Development concept
Hyundai IONIQ 5 boasts of design characteristics that were envisioned to remain contemporary through the ages. Paying homage to its roots, the car’s design has been inspired by Hyundai’s first passenger vehicle – Hyundai PONY, claims the company. With extravagant interiors and superior comfort, the car has been engineered to deliver an exciting electric mobility experience, according to the automobile manufacturer, one that truly adds versatility and opulence in every single journey. Developed on E-GMP, the car was conceptualised to deliver the next level of smart mobility experiences, thus ensuring highest level of safety and convenience. Created along the lines of Hyundai's global design identity of ‘sensuous sportiness’, the company states that Hyundai IONIQ 5 reflects the company’s vision to build a future-ready all-electric SUV, with innovation at the core of its DNA. For Indian consumers, the SUV has been developed on the tenets of five key pillars –

1.  Impressive exterior
2. Opulent interiors
3. Novel technologies
4. Incredible performance and safety
5. Quenching convenience

Exterior
The SUV car boasts of an exterior that will herald a new era of design. As per Hyundai Motor India, representing the visual identity of Hyundai IONIQ 5, the façade features an interplay of parametric pixels and is characterised by clean, sharp lines. The iconic front is defined by parametric pixel LED headlamps that boast of a unique pixel signature, reflecting the design inspiration of the car. The automobile manufacturer claims that the premium front LED accent lighting features transflective coating technology that lends the appearance of a garnish when the lamp is off. The front bumper with skid plate showcases planar symmetry while diagonal creases provide a hi-tech interpretation of ‘sensuous sportiness’. According to Hyundai Motor India, the clamshell hood features a smooth and seamless design, bolstering the minimalistic appeal of the all-electric SUV. Hyundai IONIQ 5 also features an Active air flap (AAF) that improves aerodynamics when closed, and cools vehicle parts when open.

The automobile manufacturer states that the side design seamlessly carries forward the visual identity of the all-electric SUV, while the rear is again a quintessential depiction of ‘sensuous sportiness’.  The side profile sports a definitive Z shaped side character line that exudes elegance. Plus, the SUV features auto flush door handles that automatically pop out when the driver is in close proximity, as per Hyundai Motor India. The parametric pixel design is further carried through to the rear with Hyundai IONIQ 5 emblem featured in between parametric pixel LED tail lamps. The automobile manufacturer claims that the rear spoiler with LED high mount stop lamp (HMSL) resonates the SUV’s unique design philosophy, adding athletic sensibilities while simultaneously improving vehicle aerodynamics.

Length X Width X Height

4,635 mm X 1,890 mm X 1,625* mm

Wheelbase

3,000 mm

*Without shark fin antenna

Interiors
The interiors of the SUV car reflect a masterful integration of technology and design that evokes a pleasant customer experience. According to Hyundai Motor India, the dark pebble gray interior color on Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a resplendent depiction of technology intertwined with earthy elements. The opulent interiors offer customers a unique third space experience, forming their home away from home with a spacious cabin. The interiors of the SUV feature –

• Eco-processed leather seat upholstery: Premium seat upholstery that provides an upmarket experience to customers.

• Soft touch materials on dashboard and door trims: Add to an opulent in-cabin experience.

• Pixel design on door armrest, seat upholstery and steering wheel: Incorporate Hyundai’s pixel inspired design philosophy.

• Knob-free design: On handles have been applied to lend an integrated design appeal.

• Magnetic dashboard: Attributes to the novelty of the customers’ mobility life, enabling them to collect memories and add more to life experiences.

Crafted from nature
Bio paint is used on the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s surfaces, such as crash pad, switches, steering wheel and door
panels, that includes oil extractions from plants, such as rape flowers and corn.

Eco-processed leather used in the interior is dyed using flaxseed oil.

Headlining and carpet fabric includes bio-components extracted from sugarcane and corn.

Eco-friendly fabric is created using plastic bottles that are shredded into plastic chips. These chips are melted and spun into threads which makes for a fabric that is used on the seatback and door armrest of the car.

100 percent recyclable paperette from HDPE has the same lightness and texture of traditional paper.
 

Innovative space
The automobile manufacturer states that Hyundai IONIQ 5 derives a fresh take on cabin space by maximising emphasis on comfort and convenience. The SUV has been developed with a dedicated focus to enhance cabin usability, thereby ensuring it is not just a means of transportation but transforms mobility lifestyle. As per Hyundai Motor India, innovative space on the SUV car features the following –

• Flat floor: Under floor battery eliminates the centre tunnel giving flat floor that increases legroom and enhances the feeling of openness and roominess.

• Slim cockpit design: Relocating the HVAC components to engine bay area resulted in slimming down the size of the crash-pad and increasing interior space.

• Sliding centre console: The adjustable sliding centre console greatly enhances user convenience and versatility, offering customers up to 140 mm of travel.

• Sliding glove box:The large drawer-type glove box enhances user convenience. 

• Front trunk: E-GMP allows the SUV car to have front boot space of 57 litres.

Novel technologies
The SUV features innovative new technologies that amplify electric mobility life for discerning customers

Battery charging technology 
The automobile manufacturer states that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is geared up to transform customer lifestyle with thoughtful innovation by incorporating features such as the following –  

Ultra-fast battery charging: Utilising a 350 kW DC charger, the car’s 72.6 kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes, and with a 150 kW DC charger the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes (ambient temp of 25℃).

Multi-charging system: Multi-charging system with 400V and 800V multi-charging to reduce waiting times at charging stations. Both 800V ultra-rapid and 400V rapid chargers can be used.

Charging status indicator lights at charging port: Displays current battery state of charge (SOC) in four steps.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology
Under the aegis of ‘beyond mobility’ the SUV car is equipped with cutting-edge Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology that opens opportunities for customers to reimagine their lifestyle and create new mobility experiences, as per Hyundai Motor India. The V2L function can support up to 3.6 kW of power. 

V2L(Vehicle-to-Load): Inside
- Customers can power-up electrical appliances like laptop, phones and other devices.

V2L(Vehicle-to-Load): Outside
 - Focusing on advance convenience, customers can also use V2L outside, after securing a connector in the charging outlet.

- Customers can power electronic appliances and gadgets like bicycles, e-scooters, camping equipment etc.

The automobile manufacturer claims that with Hyundai IONIQ 5 customers can experience a new realm of mobility that seamlessly intertwines with their lifestyle, offering features such as –

IONIQ 5 features 31.19 cm (12.3") touchscreen infotainment with navigation
Bose premium sound system (eight speakers)
Ambient sounds of nature 
OTA updates for system and map
31.22 cm (12.3") digital cluster

Further, the SUV will offer customers over 60 connected car features. The SUV has been offered with three years free Bluelink subscription, according to Hyundai Motor India. The car will feature Bluelink services and connected solutions such as –  

Home-to-Car (H2C) with Alexa and Google Voice Assistant in Hindi and English
Remote services
Safety and security
Voice assistant
Vehicle diagnostics
Location based services
Electric Vehicle controls

Performance and safety
The automobile manufacturer states that Hyundai IONIQ 5 is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, offering customers a superior powertrain that is future-ready to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. The SUV car offers customers a 72.6 kWh high voltage battery pack with high density battery cells and compact battery pack construct.

As per Hyundai Motor India, the SUV will offer customers a range of 631 km per full charge (as per ARAI). Designed to produce power output of 160 kW (217 ps) and 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) of torque, the car has been equipped to satisfy customers’ mobility needs and deliver a superlative driving experience featuring –  

Smart regenerative braking
Drive mode select
Column type shift-by-wire
Rear multi-link suspension 
Integrated drive axle 
Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)

Advanced safety and strong structure
The automobile manufacturer claims that Hyundai IONIQ 5 sets a safety benchmark through a combination of advance safety features, ensuring the utmost customer safety with Hyundai SmartSense. It has been built on superior body structure that has been strengthened with Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS), AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) and HSS (High Strength Steel) application and an extensive application of hot-stamping to assure of superior protection in the event of a collision.

According to Hyundai Motor India, the SUV car comes with strong passenger protection, as it is structured using hot stamped parts that minimise body deformation during collision and improved passenger protection. Further, it offers customers Level Next Safety, with over 60 safety features like Electric Parking Brake (EPB), Multi collision-avoidance brake (MCB), ensuring utmost customer safety. The automobile manufacturer states that the advanced safety features include the following – 

Six airbags (driver and passenger, side and curtain)
Virtual engine sound system (VESS)
Electric parking brake (EPB)
All four disc brakes
Multi collision-avoidance brake (MCB)
Power child lock

Advanced driver assistance system
According to Hyundai Motor India, Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been designed with safety technology, ensuring smart and superior mobility experience to customers. Hyundai SmartSense uses equipment such as front radar, front camera and rear radars to detect and mitigate risks of collision, offering the driver adequate warning and if necessary, automatically applying countermeasures to offset an impact. The automobile manufacturer states that the vehicle even assures the safety of backseat passengers with Safe Exit Assist (SEA), which helps keep the rear doors closed by maintaining the electronic child lock when there is oncoming traffic.

Quenching convenience
As per Hyundai Motor India, the vision roof comes with full glass panel without any centre, partition, thereby providing a greater sense of openness. Enhancing convenience of customers and to make the drive experience even more personalised, Hyundai IONIQ 5 will be equipped with smart and luxurious features such as – 

Premium relaxation seat (driver and passenger)
Dual zone FATC with auto defogger 
Hands free smart power tail gate with height adjustment 
Front row heated and ventilated seats and rear heated seats 
Heated outside mirrors with LED turn indicators 
Wireless smartphone charger 
Rain sensing wipers

Designed to provide modern elegance and luxurious convenience, the SUV offers ample seating comfort and caters to a relaxed and content mobility life. Hyundai Motor India claims that it comes with seating configuration made with memory function, ensuring that the customer can save up to three seating positions and much more, as below –

Memory seat configuration (all seats)
Rear power sliding seat with manual reclining function
Power adjustment seat with lumbar support (driver and passenger)
Passenger seat walk in device
Front row sliding headrests

The SUV car offers three years/unlimited kilometres warranty, eight years/160,000 kilometres battery warranty, three-years roadside assistance and two complementary home chargers (3.3 kW and 11 kW). Additionally, Hyundai states that it will also offer first connect home visit within 15 days of delivery, while also providing the service of Vehicle to Vehicle charging support in four cities. Besides, the company will offer customers an extended warranty option of up to five years or 140,000 kilometres as well as iCare Maintenance packages.

Colours
As per Hyundai Motor India, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is offered in three exterior colour options that include HMI’s first matte colour – gravity gold matte, optic white and midnight black pearl. The SUV will offer opulent and futuristic interior tones with dark pebble gray interior colour. 

Hero MotoCorp’s Vida To Introduce Battery-as-a-Service Model To Disrupt Electric Two-wheeler Segment

Vida - Hero MotoCorp

Vida, the electric two-wheeler brand of Hero MotoCorp, aims to disrupt the electric two-wheeler segment with the introduction of a subscription-based Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. This move is expected to make electric mobility more affordable, with the fine details set to be announced on 1 July 2025.

The company shared that in addition to a flexible ‘pay-as-you-go’ ownership model, the BaaS subscription solution will significantly reduce the upfront ownership cost, making EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider customer base. Customers will be able to get separate finance options for the scooter chassis and battery, reducing significant upfront capital expenditure into manageable monthly payments.

Under the new business model, Vida customers will have greater flexibility for their monthly payments, along with access to over 3,600 fast-charging stations and more than 500 service points in over 100 cities.

Oben Electric Raises INR 500 Million In Extended Series A Round

Oben Electric

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup Oben Electric has raised an additional INR 500 million in May 2025 through an extended Series A funding round led by existing investors Helios Holdings, Sharda family office, Kay family and other new and existing investors.

With this, the company has raised INR 1 billion in Series A and overall INR 2 billion in funding. The funding will be used towards expanding the company’s dealership presence to over 150 showrooms in more than 50 cities this fiscal, accelerating development of its 'O100' affordable e-motorcycle platform and scaling up its manufacturing operations.

Sandesh from Sharda family office, said, “Oben Electric had the right technology, product market fit and growth indicators. They are operating in an untapped large market opportunity with multi-fold revenue growth QoQ, the feedback of the electric motorcycle was great and their vertical integration of critical EV components, including LFP battery, motor and vehicle control unit is a key differentiator. We were also impressed by the maturity of the founders which is required to build such a large & complex business and believe that they would be successful in building the first global electric motorcycle brand from India.”

At present, Oben Electric already has 37 retail outlets across 26 cities in 13 states, entering key markets like Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric, said, “The extended Series A funding is a strong vote of confidence from our investors and comes at a time when our momentum is accelerating nationwide. We’re expanding not just our retail footprint but also our innovation roadmap with platforms like O100 that aim to democratise electric motorcycles for the mass market. Backed by full vertical integration and a resilient supply chain, this funding prepares us for a new phase of scale, impact, and growth opportunities.”

The EV start-up claims to be an R&D-led, vertically integrated company, designing and manufacturing not just e-motorcycles but also all critical components, including batteries, motors, vehicle control units and home fast chargers. It currently has over 500 member team, 100,000-units-per-year manufacturing facility in Jigani, Bengaluru, over 150 vendors. It tests its e-motorcycles over 200 performance parameters and is supported by more than 68,000 public charging stations and over 10 ecosystem partners for insurance, financing and roadside assistance.

The Oben Rorr e-motorcycle line-up starts at INR 99,999 for the Oben Rorr EZ, which can go from zero to 40 kmph in 3.3 seconds, top speed of 95 kmph and a range of up to 175 km (IDC) across three battery variant. On the other hand, the Oben Rorr, its flagship product is designed for high performance. Both EVs are powered by high performance LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology.

Going forward, the EV maker aims to further raise USD 30 million in Series B in CY2025 to expand its presence globally.

Bajaj Auto Launches Chetak 3001 E-Scooter At INR 99,990

Chetak 3001

Bajaj Auto, the world's leading two and three-wheeler manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Chetak 3001, an advanced iteration of its popular Chetak 2903 electric scooter at INR 99,990. Built on the same cutting-edge EV platform as the highly successful Chetak 35 Series, the new Chetak 3001 boasts floorboard-mounted 3.0 kWh batteries, promising an enhanced riding experience with improved stability, increased storage and extended range.

Designed for Real Life: Key Innovations

The Chetak 3001 introduces several significant upgrades aimed at the everyday Indian rider:

  • New Floorboard Battery Architecture: This design offers superior stability, more foot room and a lower centre of gravity for a more comfortable and mature ride.
  • Class-Leading 127 KM Range: Certified for extensive distances, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend excursions.
  • Massive 35L Boot Space: Ample storage for essentials, from helmets to shopping bags.
  • Rapid Charging: A 750W charger enables zero to 80 percent charge in just 3 hours 50 minutes, positioning it among the fastest in its category.

The Chetak 3001 integrates optional TecPac Features for a smarter ride, including call accept/reject, music control, Guide Me Home lights, Hill Hold Assist, reverse light and auto-flashing stop lamp.

True to Bajaj's legacy, the Chetak 3001 is engineered for durability and the diverse Indian conditions:

  • Solid Steel Metal Body: The only metal-bodied EV in its class, ensuring robustness.
  • IP67 Rated Water Resistance: Providing protection against monsoon rains and splashes.
  • Trusted Heritage: Manufactured by Bajaj Auto, backed by a legacy of quality and a vast network of over 3,800 service centres across India.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, "Chetak 3001 sets the benchmark for mass adoption of electric scooters. Built on the next-generation platform, it delivers the range and performance that Indian scooter riders demand – distraction-free riding with the peace of mind of assured reliability and service. The Chetak 3001 is the everyday electric scooter to make petrol scooters redundant; its bigger, stronger and fully Lifeproof at an ex-showroom price of INR 99,990."

Riding on a wave of innovation, Bajaj's Chetak series concluded Q4 FY2025 Q4 as India's top-selling electric scooter. The 35 Series, spearheaded by models like the 3501 and 3502, has already redefined the EV landscape. The Chetak 3001 is set to continue this momentum, embodying a blend of advanced technology and the brand's enduring heritage.

Ultraviolette Expands European Presence With Launch of F77 Motorcycles In Paris

Ultraviolette F77 Paris

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive has made a striking statement today with the European launch of its flagship performance motorcycles, the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, at a special event held in front of the Eiffel Tower. This move into the French market, following a successful debut in Germany, underscores Ultraviolette's ambitious drive to become a significant global player in the electric vehicle segment. With this the EV maker has established its presence in 10 European countries such as Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The F77 Mach 2 boasts a race-bred design, promising a dynamic and aggressive ride, while the F77 SuperStreet offers a more upright posture and refined ergonomics, prioritizing rider comfort without sacrificing performance.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “The launch of the F77 in Germany, France, the UK and other European countries is a defining moment for Ultraviolette and a landmark achievement for India’s automobile landscape. This launch signifies Ultraviolette’s entry into Europe’s most influential two-wheeler markets and underlines our intent to be a global force in the electric mobility revolution. As an Indian company, we are proud to bring futuristic design and cutting-edge technology to the world. This is a moment of global recognition for the talent and capability within India’s engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. Through our strategic distributor partnerships, we are not only expanding into Europe but also delivering a world-class ownership experience that reflects the best of what India has to offer.”

Both F77 models are capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmph in a mere 2.8 seconds. Powered by a 10.3 kWh battery pack, they deliver a peak power output of 30 kW and a staggering 100 Nm of torque, enabling swift acceleration and agile handling with a top speed of 155 km/h. These advanced motorcycles are equipped with Ultraviolette’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I., and industry-leading switchable Dual-Channel ABS developed by Bosch. Further enhancing the riding experience are features like 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, added “This isn’t just the introduction of motorcycles into new markets, it’s the global unveiling of years of relentless research, engineering, and innovation, born in India. We set out with a bold ambition to build the most advanced electric motorcycle in the world. Today, we are delivering that vision to international customers. The F77 is the result of deep in-house R&D, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, safety, and design. For India, this milestone represents not just our ability to participate in the global EV transition, but to lead it with technology that competes at the highest level."

To celebrate the European launch, Ultraviolette is offering a special introductory price for all pre-bookings made up to 31 July 31 2025. The F77 Mach 2 will be available starting at EUR 8,990 (regular price: EUR 9,990), and the F77 SuperStreet will be priced from EUR 9,290 (regular price: EUR 10,390).