All-New Inster is Hyundai’s Cheapest EV Yet, Not Heading to Canada

Hyundai has just unveiled the all-new Inster, a highly affordable EV aimed at global markets including Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Canada won’t be part of them.

This model is essentially a battery-powered variant of the Casper that’s sold in South Korea, albeit larger and blessed with some unique design features such as the lights, bumpers and wheels. It stands just 3,825 mm long, 1,610 mm wide and 1,575 mm tall, making it even more compact than the smallest crossover in Hyundai’s Canadian lineup, the Venue.

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Obviously, the Inster is designed for the city, as the tiny 280-litre trunk confirms. The interior is big on technology, however, with a pair of 10.25-inch displays topping the dashboard. The rear bench seat slides and reclines to maximize passenger comfort.

Hyundai is offering two powertrain options. The first one delivers 95 horsepower and more than 300 km of range based on the WLTP test cycle. The more interesting alternative supplies 113 horsepower and up to 355 km of range. Even if we lowered these numbers to match the more realistic North American standards, the Inster would likely beat the Fiat 500e or a base Nissan LEAF, for instance.

Charging from 10-80 percent can be done in just 30 minutes using a 120kW DC fast charger. When plugged into a level-2 power source, a full charge will take 4-4.5 hours depending on the model. Additionally, a vehicle-to-load function allows bi-directional charging for other electric devices.

Following its debut at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea this week, the Hyundai Inster will go on sale in its domestic market later in the summer, then gradually expand into other markets in the second half of 2024. Pricing has yet to be announced, but this will be the brand’s cheapest EV anywhere.

In Canada, that title currently goes to the Kona Electric, which can be had from an all-inclusive price of just over $49,000, not counting applicable incentives. We’ll have to wait and see if and when Hyundai gives the IONIQ 5 a little brother—possibly called IONIQ 3—emulating Kia’s move with the upcoming EV3.