Shahrukh Khan unveiled hyundai i10 electric car at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010

On January 6, 2009, famous South Korean automaker, Hyundai unveiled its electric version of Hyundai i10 at the 10^th Indian Auto Expo. The petrol version of the car, with internal combustion engine, was launched in India in 2007. The company also told reporters that it is interested to launch more electric models in future. The electric version of the Hyundai i10 was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in September 2008. Hyundai has plans to release limited number of the electronic version in its domestic market. Famous Bollywood actor, Shahrukh Khan, who is also the brand ambassador of Hyundai, unveiled the car at the show. Latest News reports

Khan, on this occasion, also reminisced how during his childhood days he used to visit his father's shop at Pragati Maidan.

"We are going to present to you certain innovations, technologies and other stuff that of course Hyundai is famous for all across the world and has brought to India. I was very nostalgic coming to Pragati Maidan, my childhood was spent here in Pragati Maidan, my father used to have a small shop there," said Khan, who is also the brand ambassador of Hyundai.

The electric variant of the Hyundai i10 is powered by a 49KW electric motor that produces 67Kw power and a maximum torque of 21.4 kg. The car will be able to reach a speed of 0-100 Kmph within fifteen seconds. The car is equipped with a Lithium Polymer battery that will provide the car enough power to run up to 160 km on a single charge. The car has dual battery charging option and it takes five hours to fully charge the battery.

Arvind Saxena, Director of Marketing and Sales, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., told reporters that rising interest in electronic vehicles in India would further cement the car maker’s position in the ever growing Indian auto market. Already Hyundai is the largest car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India. Mr. Saxena did not divulge the release date of the car but he said that his company would first conduct a research to understand the potential of electric vehicles in the Indian market.

At the 10^th Indian Auto Show, green technology had been given huge emphasis. Several companies are going to introduce electric cars and hybrid cars. Tata Motors, announced its plan to build an electric version of its popular Tata Indica Vista in collaboration with a Norwegian company. General Motors will also unveil its Spark mini electric car. GM and Reva Electric car of Bangalore are jointly building the car. Famous Japanese automaker, Toyota Motors will also display its popular hybrid car Toyota Prius.