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.

*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. 

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CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components – we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

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Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

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Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

• Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
• Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
• Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
• Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
• Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
• Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
• Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”

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