Hyundai unveils the INSTER sub-compact EV for Europe, starting at an MSRP below 25,000 euros

One week after teasing a European version of its Casper A-segment sub-compact EV called the INSTER, Hyundai Motor Group has officially unveiled the new mini-car, which holds a lot of potential with consumers. In addition to its sleek yet compact size, Hyundai promises the INSTER EV will hit Europe (and several other markets) at a starting price below 25,000 euros.

Today’s unveiling of the INSTER EV was inspired by Casper. No, not the friendly ghost, but the combustion vehicle from Hyundai that has been built and sold in South Korea since 2021. Last week, Hyundai teased an incoming all-electric version of the Casper as a “new standard for popularizing electric vehicles.”

Given its compact size and estimated affordability in the A-segment of vehicles, the Casper EV holds excellent potential for success, hence is why Hyundai is expanding its availability outside of Korea.

During the Casper EV announcement, Hyundai also shared its plans to offer the minicar in Europe, rebranded as the “INSTER.” Hyundai Motor Group has now unveiled the INSTER EV alongside some features and specs that future consumers in Europe will be able to take advantage of.

Hyundai INSTER EV coming to Europe later this year

Hyundai shared a press release detailing the new INSTER EV’s entry into Europe after officially unveiling the sub-compact during the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show earlier today.

By removing the combustion components in the original Casper vehicle, Hyundai’s redesign of the INSTER has enabled an extended body and wheelbase for more interior space. As a result, Hyundai shared the new BEV has found a sweet spot in the market between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compacts.

The new Hyundai EV’s compact size makes it perfect for city driving and parking, two critical factors for driving in Europe. The INSTER comes standard with a 42 kWh battery pack, but customers can also upgrade to a long-range 49 kWh battery.

All versions feature a single motor that delivers 71.1 kW (~95 hp) in the base model and jumps to 84.5 kW (113 hp) in the long-range version. Either variant can create 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque. Hyundai shared that the INSTER EV will offer a projected WLTP range of 300+ km (186 miles) in the standard version and up to 355km (221 miles) with the larger long-range battery (with 15″ wheels).

• Dimensions:
  • Length: 3,825 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,580 mm
  • Width: 1,610 mm
  • Height: 1,575 mm
• Luggage Space: 280 liters (up to 351 liters with sliding rear seats)
• Max Speed:
  • Standard: 140 km/h (~87 mph)
  • Long-Range: 150 km/h (~93 mph)
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration:
  • Standard: 11.7 seconds
  • Long-Range: 10.6 seconds
• AC Onboard Charger: 11 kW
  • Charge Time: Standard: 4 hours (16A) / Long-Range: 4 hours 35 minutes (16A)
• DC Fast Charging 10-80%: 30 mins (under optimal conditions using DCFC with a minimum output of 120 kW)

Other features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, battery preconditioning, and an optional heat pump. Hyundai still needs to share the exact pricing of the INSTER EV for Europe, but it has previously stated that it will be priced below 25,000 euros ($26,750).

Hyundai has promised more details as it approaches launching the new EV, which will arrive in Korea this summer before expanding to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific “in due course.”

Hyundai also teased a new variant of the new sub-compact called the INSTER CROSS in the works, described as having a “more rugged, outdoor-focused design.”

What do you think? Could this be another slam dunk for Hyundai Motor Group? Let us know in the comments below.