Hyundai Prepares To Unleash Affordable Electric Crossover
Key Takeaways
- Hyundai teases a compact electric crossover called the Inster.
- The Inster is a battery-electric version of the Casper that was revealed in 2021.
- Rumors suggest it will be priced around $21,500.
- Will debut later this month at the Busan International Mobility Show.
Hyundai has released teaser images of the new Inster, a compact crossover that aims to revolutionize the mainstream EV market. Due to be revealed later this month at the Busan International Mobility Show, the newcomer is a battery-electric version of the Casper crossover, a tiny gas-powered offering not sold in the United States.
The Korean automaker says the Inster name is a portmanteau of “intimate” and “innovative,” which reflects the evolution from the ICE-powered Casper. Hyundai says the Inster will “set new standards in terms of driving range, technology, and safety features, redefining what buyers can expect from a vehicle in this class.” A WLTP-estimated range of 355 kilometers (220 miles) is impressive for a car of this size.
Hyundai
Hyundai is a Korean automaker that currently exports its vehicles to over 200 countries. It builds gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen vehicles. It also launched Genesis as a spinoff luxury brand with a separate vehicle lineup.
- Founded
- 29 December 1967
- Founder
- Chung Ju-yung
- Headquarters
- Seoul, South Korea
- Owned By
- Hyundai Motor Group
- Current CEO
- Chang Jae-hoon
Retro Styling Details Include Pixel-Graphic Lights
While the profile suggests the styling won’t stray too far from the quirky Casper, there are some changes. The Inster will sport unique LED daytime running lights, turn signals, and taillights with a retro-style pixel-graphic design. This is becoming increasingly common on Hyundai products; it showed up on the gorgeous N Vision 74 concept and later trickled down to the Santa Fe and the recently facelifted Ioniq 5.
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Hyundai has yet to announce the pricing for the Inster, but according to French publication Auto Moto, it will reportedly have an MSRP of €20,000 ($21,500). Even as rivals pull out of the small car market, Hyundai remains committed, and the new Inster will take on the Dacia Spring and Citroën e-C3. The company is yet to confirm which markets the Inster will be offered in, but we don’t expect it to reach the US. CarBuzz has reached out to Hyundai USA for additional information.
Affordable Electric Vehicles Are Desperately Needed
Previous reports suggest the Inster will be built alongside the gas-powered Casper at Hyundai’s Gwangju facility in South Korea. It is rumored to use a lithium-ion phosphate battery and an integrated drive module sourced from BorgWarner. Unlike the Casper, which uses the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform, the Inster will be underpinned by the Hyundai-Kia SA platform.
Renault And VW Reportedly Part Ways On Potential Cheap EV Development
Sources claim the two automakers couldn’t agree on where the cheap and compact electric vehicle would be built.
Aside from range anxiety and charging woes, cost is one of the biggest hindrances to electric vehicle ownership. In the United States, EVs are getting cheaper, but they’re still not affordable enough to appeal to the masses. Yes, the Chevrolet Equinox EV has an appealing price tag, but more attainable electric cars are needed to encourage EV adoption. It’s worth noting that Volkswagen is also working on an affordable electric vehicle, and so is Renault. The duo had plans to develop the car together but decided to part ways instead.
Source:
Auto Moto
