Hyundai Greenlights Inster EV for India: Compact Electric SUV Set for 2026 Launch

Hyundai is gearing up to introduce the Inster EV, a compact electric SUV based on the Casper, to the Indian market by the second half of 2026. The Inster EV was unveiled at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show and is slated to be launched initially in South Korea, followed by rollouts in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific.

Key Features and Specifications of the Inster EV

The Hyundai Inster EV, codenamed HE1i, will be built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) platform, designed for affordable electric vehicles. This launch will follow the introduction of the Creta EV, which is set for 2025 and will utilize an ICE-derived electric vehicle architecture.

Dimensionally, the Inster EV is 3,825 mm long, making it slightly shorter than the Tata Punch and longer than the Casper. The extended wheelbase accommodates a larger battery pack, enhancing its range capabilities.

For international markets, Hyundai offers two variants of the Inster EV:

Standard Variant: Equipped with a 42 kWh battery pack, delivering 97 hp and 147 Nm of torque, with a WLTP-certified range of 300 km.

Long-Range Variant: Comes with a 49 kWh battery pack, producing 115 hp and 147 Nm of torque, with a WLTP-certified range of 355 km.

It is anticipated that the Indian market will receive both variants, ensuring a competitive edge in the burgeoning EV sector.

Advanced Features and Technology

The Inster EV will be equipped with an array of advanced features to compete with rivals like the Tata Punch EV. Key highlights include:

Dual 10.25-inch screens

360° surround view camera

Auto climate control

Blind spot monitoring

A comprehensive range of ADAS features

Hyundai's EV Roadmap for India

Hyundai plans to manufacture the Inster EV at its Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu, with an initial production target of around 90,000 units per annum. This includes 26,000 units of the Creta EV and 65,000 units of the compact electric SUV, with a significant portion destined for export.

The company has committed Rs 20,000 crore to developing EVs for the Indian market, aiming to establish a robust EV portfolio over the next eight years. Future models under consideration include EV versions of the Venue and Grand i10 Nios.

Hyundai's strategy leverages the expertise of its South Korean parent company, which boasts a diverse range of EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell EVs, and mild-hybrid EVs. In India, Hyundai will primarily compete with Tata Motors, which has a strong EV lineup including the Punch EV, Tiago EV, Tigor EV, and Nexon EV.

With these strategic moves, Hyundai is positioning itself as a key player in India's evolving electric vehicle landscape.