Hyundai unveils Inster e-SUV in South Korea, claims range of 355 km per charge

Hyundai Inster EV

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) took the wraps off the all-new Inster sub-compact EV at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show. Based on the Casper platform, the new model is positioned as the South Korean carmaker’s “new A-segment subcompact EV” for global markets.

Globally, the Hyundai Inster electric sports utility Vehicle (e-SUV) is offered in two battery pack options: 42 kWh and 49 kWh.  The company claims a maximum range of 355 kilometres on a single charge for this mass market EV.

"With Inster, we've taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience," said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. "Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximizes its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With InsterR we're redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV."

Both the battery packs get a single motor that makes 71.7 kW and 84.5 kW in the 42 kWh and 49 kWh models, respectively, and the torque output stays the same at 147 Nm on both models. The entry-level EV is said to be capable of fast charging using a 120 kW DC charger, allowing for 10-80 percent charge in 30 minutes, as per the company’s claims.

Some of the features offered for this model are auto climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, wireless charging and the full ADAS suite.

Hyundai Insert will launch first in South Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific in due course. While its rollout in India is officially not confirmed, speculation is rife that this model will be Hyundai Motor India Limited’s (HMIL) most affordable EV offering.

An emailed query to HMIL spokesperson could not elicit any reply till the time the story was published.

Meanwhile, the IPO-bound HMIL is gearing up to launch four EVs, including the electric variant of Creta. The company has recently taken off Kona EV from its official website though there is no official communication on this yet.