Hyundai Motor India has launched a new Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model for its Creta Electric SUV, significantly reducing the entry price for consumers. Under this innovative scheme, the starting price for the Creta Electric drops by approximately ₹8 lakh, bringing the ex-showroom cost down to ₹10.99 lakh.
This strategic introduction of BaaS is a direct response to the intensifying competition within India's electric SUV market. By separating the battery cost from the vehicle purchase, Hyundai aims to make electric vehicle ownership more financially accessible to a wider range of buyers, aligning its offerings with other automakers who have adopted similar battery subscription models.
How Hyundai's BaaS Model Works
With the BaaS program, customers purchase the Creta Electric without the upfront cost of the battery. Instead, they pay a recurring battery subscription fee, starting at ₹3.90 per kilometre. This approach spreads the significant expense of the battery over time, drastically lowering the initial investment required for an EV. For comparison, the Creta Electric's standard price without the BaaS subscription remains around ₹18.03 lakh (ex-showroom).
Enhanced Features and Market Competition
Alongside the new ownership model, Hyundai has also rolled out feature enhancements for the Creta Electric. The SUV now includes an integrated side foot step for improved accessibility and a more robust SUV aesthetic. Additionally, HC variants will come equipped with a 7.4 kW wall box charger as standard, offering convenient home charging solutions.
The Creta Electric faces stiff competition from various rivals in the Indian market, many of whom also offer battery subscription plans. Key competitors include the MG Comet EV, Tata Punch EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, and Kia Carens Clavis EV. Hyundai's subscription rate of ₹3.90 per kilometre is marginally more competitive than the ₹3.99 per kilometre charged for the Maruti e Vitara.
Key Specifications and Safety
- Motor: Single electric motor (Front-mounted)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Power: Available in 135 PS (42 kWh battery) and 171 PS (51.4 kWh battery) options
- Torque: 200 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.9 sec (42 kWh), 7.9 sec (51.4 kWh)
The Hyundai Creta Electric is offered with two battery pack options: a 42 kWh unit providing a claimed driving range of up to 420 km, and a larger 51.4 kWh pack extending the range to an impressive 510 km. The vehicle supports 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to replenish from 10% to 80% in approximately 39 minutes under optimal conditions.
Safety remains a priority with the Creta Electric, featuring 6 airbags as standard across all variants. Top variants further benefit from Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) with over 20 autonomous safety functions, a 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor, and both front and rear parking sensors.