Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has officially designated Tamil Nadu as its flagship Electric Vehicle hub for India, announcing plans to roll out two new dedicated EV models from its Chennai manufacturing facility in 2026. The company also unveiled an exclusive skill development partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu aimed at boosting the global employability of the state’s youth.
Tamil Nadu Becomes Hyundai’s EV Capital
HMIL Managing Director and CEO Tarun Garg reaffirmed the company’s long-standing partnership with the Tamil Nadu government, stating that these initiatives will strengthen the state’s leadership in sustainable mobility and automotive excellence while building a future-ready workforce.
One of the two new models to be launched from the Chennai plant will be Hyundai’s first mass-market dedicated electric vehicle in India — a milestone that signals a major acceleration in the country’s EV adoption journey. The skill development initiative is expected to commence operations in December 2027.
Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World
Hyundai’s deep roots in Tamil Nadu are well established. The company has exported more than 3.9 million vehicles manufactured at its Chennai facility to over 150 countries, making it a shining example of world-class Indian manufacturing reaching global markets.
HMIL has already set up Tamil Nadu’s first battery sub-assembly plant for EV powertrains and is actively working on localising power electronics and other critical components. To support EV customers, the company has also built a DC fast charging network across the state comprising 39 stations and 78 charging points, with plans to expand coverage across all major cities and highways over the next two to three years.
Skill Development for Tamil Nadu’s Youth
In a significant move, Hyundai and the Tamil Nadu government jointly announced a structured skill development programme designed to train youth in next-generation automotive technologies. The training curriculum will cover advanced EV technology, hydrogen mobility, robotics, automation, AI-enabled manufacturing and smart manufacturing processes.
The state government has committed to partnering with ITIs, polytechnics, engineering colleges and skill development institutions across Tamil Nadu to ensure the programme’s success. The initiative will also focus on workplace communication and language skills to improve employment mobility for youth both within India and internationally.
Rs 26,000 Crore Investment and 2,000 New Jobs
On the investment front, HMIL reaffirmed its commitment of over Rs 26,000 crore in Tamil Nadu between 2023 and 2032, as part of a larger Rs 45,000 crore investment pledge. The company also plans to increase its localisation levels from the current 82 percent to 90 percent over the next five to six years.
Additionally, Hyundai aims to increase purchasing value from Tamil Nadu-based suppliers by approximately Rs 4,000 crore, which is projected to generate around 2,000 additional jobs in the state over the same period. These steps are expected to significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while reducing dependence on imports.
With this landmark announcement, Tamil Nadu solidifies its position as one of India’s most important automotive and EV manufacturing destinations, with Hyundai leading the charge toward a cleaner, smarter mobility future.