Just a few days ago, Hyundai revealed its entry-level electric car, the Inster, for the global market. The compact EV was put on display at the Busan Auto Show in South Korea. The all-new Hyundai Inster, which is based on the global-spec Casper, will also make its way to India in the second half of 2026. Codenamed HE1, the small electric SUV will directly compete with the Tata Punch EV, which currently dominates the segment. The company aims to produce 65,000 units of the Inster EV at its Chennai-based manufacturing facility alongside the upcoming Creta EVdue in January 2025.
Measuring 3825mm in length, Hyundai’s all-new Inster EV will have a wheelbase that is 180mm longer than the Casper. Its width and height will be 1.6 meters. When compared to its arch rival, the Tata Punch EV (which is 3857mm in length), it will be shorter.
In global markets, the Inster will be offered with two powertrain options: a 97bhp, Standard 42kWh battery and a 115bhp, Long-Range 49kWh battery. While the former will deliver a claimed range of 300km, the latter will promise a range of 355km. The torque output of both powertrains will be 147Nm.
With the Standard 42kWh battery pack, the EV will accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 11.7 seconds and offer a maximum speed of 140kmph. The Long-Range version, on the other hand, will be capable of 0 to 100kmph in 10.6 seconds and have an electronic speed limit of 150kmph. In India, the South Korean automaker is likely to introduce the Hyundai Inster with both battery packs.
Regarding its interior and features, the Inster EV is likely to come with some advanced goodies such as a dual-screen setup—a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster—a 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring, auto climate control, ADAS tech, and more. The compact EV will have a four individual seat setup, and all of them will be foldable completely flat. The rear two seats will have sliding and reclining functions.
