Hyundai is not limiting its electric vehicle (EV) innovations to the Ioniq lineup. The automaker is making moves with the introduction of the Hyundai Inster, a new and affordable EV that builds on a platform originally designed for combustion engines. The Inster, essentially an electric version of the Casper city car sold in South Korea, is poised to offer a budget-friendly alternative in the EV market, particularly in urban settings.
The Hyundai Inster is tailored for European markets, where it will compete with the likes of the Dacia Spring. Slightly larger than its gas-powered predecessor, the Inster measures 150.6 inches in length, 63.4 inches in width, and 62 inches in height, with a wheelbase extended to 101.5 inches. Despite its compact size, it offers an impressive urban maneuverability, making it ideal for city driving.
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Customers can choose between two versions of the Inster, each with different battery capacities and power outputs. The base model features a 42.0-kilowatt-hour battery, providing an estimated 186 miles of range and a 95-horsepower electric motor. The higher-end model comes with a 49.0-kWh battery, extending the range to 217 miles and offering a more powerful 113-hp motor. Both versions deliver 108 lb-ft of instant torque.
While not built for high-speed performance, the Inster’s acceleration is respectable for city driving. The base model reaches 62 mph in 11.7 seconds, while the more powerful version achieves this in 10.6 seconds. Top speeds are 87 mph and 93 mph, respectively. When it comes to recharging, the Inster can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes using a 120-kilowatt DC charger.
Despite its compact size, the Hyundai Inster is generously equipped with features. It boasts fully foldable front seats and split-folding rear seats, with a five-seat configuration expected in 2025. The rear seats are adjustable, allowing the cargo space to vary between 8.4 and 12.4 cubic feet.
The Inster comes loaded with advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, wireless charging pad, high-beam assist, heated steering wheel, and lane departure warning. It also includes a highway driving assistant and wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dual 10.25-inch screens are standard, along with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. Additionally, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function allows the car to power external devices via bidirectional charging.
The Inster features Hyundai’s signature pixel light theme on the front and rear, aligning it with the brand’s evolving EV aesthetic. Despite not being part of the Ioniq family, it stands out in Hyundai’s EV portfolio and the global entry-level electric segment with its playful design and abundance of physical buttons, a rarity in modern cars.
Hyundai plans to offer the Inster not only in Europe but also in South Korea, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. An Inster Cross variant with a rugged design will be introduced later. While there’s no confirmation yet about its availability in the United States, the Inster has the potential to significantly impact the affordable EV market if it reaches American shores.
