Hyundai To Roll Out First Mass-Market Electric Vehicle In India
Hyundai committed to making Tamil Nadu its flagship EV hub for India and said it will enhance localisation across both electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturing operations, aiming to raise localisation from 82 per cent to 90 per cent over the next five to six years. The plan is presented as part of a wider strategy to reduce dependence on imports and to deepen supplier engagement.
The company said it is well-positioned to expand coverage across major cities and highways over the next two to three years, backed by a strategically distributed network of high-capacity chargers across key urban and transit corridors. This infrastructure support is intended to underpin the roll-out of more affordable models and to improve charging accessibility for customers.
Hyundai plans to increase purchasing value from Tamil Nadu-based suppliers by Rs 40 billion (Rs 40 bn), which it expects will create around 2,000 additional jobs in the state over the next five to six years. The company stated these efforts will significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and support broader economic activity in the region.
The company said its supplier engagement will include measures to enhance capability and quality, enabling higher local content in both EV and ICE parts. It added that such measures are designed to support long-term competitiveness and to help suppliers scale their operations. The improvement in localisation is intended to coincide with capacity upgrades at the Chennai facility.
By increasing purchases from local suppliers and investing in infrastructure, the firm aims to create a more resilient domestic ecosystem and to make EV ownership more accessible. The roll-out of two new models this year is presented as a tangible step in that direction, anchored by the Chennai hub.