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. 

Youdha Enters Commercial Cargo Sector With Launch Of ePod G Electric Three-Wheeler

Youdha ePod G

Youdha has expanded its vehicle lineup into the commercial cargo segment with the introduction of the ePod G electric three-wheeler.

Designed for last-mile logistics, e-commerce deliveries and retail distribution, the electric three-wheeler expands Youdha's ePod platform from passenger transport into goods mobility.

The ePod G features an 11.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 6 kW three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. The powertrain delivers a claimed range of 170 to 180 km under standard test conditions, a payload capacity of 545 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,000 kg. The e3W has a top speed below 50 kmph, 22 percent gradeability and a charging duration of four to five hours.

Ayush Lohia, CEO, Youdha, said, "Our ambition is to build ePod into a trusted name across passenger and goods transportation. The positive response to our passenger vehicle gives us a strong foundation to extend the range into cargo. With ePod G, we aim to address the needs of businesses and individual operators involved in last-mile deliveries while continuing to strengthen Youdha’s product portfolio and market presence."

The ePod G will be available in half-deck and closed box configurations to accommodate varied delivery requirements. Built on a monocoque chassis, the vehicle includes hydraulic brakes, steel rims, 120/80-R12 8PR tyres, LED headlights, and a seven-inch CAN-enabled digital LED instrument cluster. The launch enables Youdha to supply individual owner-operators, commercial businesses, and delivery fleet managers across the Indian market.

Tesla Opens Reservations For New Roadster In India, Upgrades Model Y L

Tesla Model Y L

Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.

The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.

Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.

To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.

Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.

VIDA Unveils DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition At FIM International Six Days Enduro

VIDA DIRT.E K3

VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.

The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.

First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.

The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.

Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."

Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."

Epsilon CAM And C4V Sign Agreement For Cathode Material Qualification In North America

Epsilon CAM - C4V

Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.

The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.

As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.

The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.

Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.

Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."