Hyundai's cheapest EV is now available in Japan. Starting at just $18,000, the new Hyundai Inster EV is the most affordable electric car in its class, cheaper than BYD's Dolphin.
Hyundai's cheapest Inster EV is now available in Japan
Since re-entering the market in early 2022, Hyundai has launched only a handful of vehicles in Japan, including the IONIQ 5, Kona Electric, and Nexo FCEV.
The Inster EV is Hyundai's fourth electric vehicle, and it may be the most successful yet. On Friday, Hyundai opened orders for its new EV in Japan. Starting at 2,849,000 yen, or about $18,000, the Inster is Hyundai's cheapest electric car on the market.
Hyundai debuted the Inster at the Busan Mobility Show in Korea last summer. It is already airing in Europe and Korea.
In its home market, Inster is known as Casper Electric and has already become one of the best-selling EVs in Korea.
Powered by a 49 kWh battery, the Inster is rated for a range of up to 195 kilometers (315 km) in Korea. In Europe, Casper Electric reaches 221 miles (355 km) WLTP range. The low-cost EV is available in Japan with 42 or 49 kWh battery options.
Buyers in Japan can choose from three trims with prices ranging from 2,849,000 yen ($18,000) to 3,575,000 yen ($22,700).
At 3,830 mm long, 1,610 mm wide, and 1,615 mm long with a 2,580 mm wheelbase, the Inster EV is slightly smaller than BYD's Dolphin (4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm long, wheelbase which is 7 mm 2).
Hyundai's new EV dethrones the Dolphin, which starts at around $24,500 (3.63 million yen), as one of the most affordable electric cars in Japan.
The new low-cost electric car should help boost Hyundai's sales in the region. Last year, Hyundai sold more than 600 cars in Japan, while BYD sold more than 2,200. Since entering Japan in 2023, BYD has launched several best-selling EVs, including the Dolphin, Atto 3 SUV, and Seal.
| Hyundai Inster EV trim | Starting Price |
| Common | 2,849,000 yen ($18,000) |
| A journey | 3,355,000 yen ($21,300) |
| A resting place | 3,575,000 yen ($24,500) |
Hyundai's new EV will also compete with Japan's best-selling electric car, the Nissan Sakura, which costs around $16,500 (2.6 million yen).
Will the Hyundai Inster enter the Japanese EV market? Let us know what you think about it in the comments below.
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