How does a 350-km range for CDN$38,000 sound? The Inster just launched in Korea, but no word on us getting it here
- Hyundai just unveiled a new EV, the Inster, with a projected battery range of 350 km
- Pricing is 22,000 pounds, or the equivalent of right around CDN$38,000
- Sales will begin in its home market, and, sadly, there’s no indication it’ll come to Canada
At this week’s Busan International Mobility Show in South Korea, Hyundai hauled the covers off a subcompact electric vehicle which could be just the ticket for urban EV adopters in this country. Called the Inster, it has an expected driving range of roughly 350 kilometres (217 miles), fast charging, and a starting price of approximately 22,000 pounds (CDN$38,000).
The Inster is not a big car, measuring just 3,825 millimetres (150.6 inches) from tip to tail, which makes is shorter than a contemporary two-door Mini Cooper. As another yardstick, its footprint is slightly larger than that of a Fiat 500e. A standard-range battery is sized at 42 kWh, while a long-range variant packs 49 kWh of electrons. The former is on par with the Fiat, by the way.
Since we’re using the little Italian as a barometer, it’s worth noting the feds on this side of the pond have rated that vehicle at 227 kilometres (141 miles) of travel on its 42-kWh battery. Given the endlessly optimistic estimates of European cycles, we feel the Inster may actually be right in the ballpark of the Fiat since, Hyundai states an expected range of about 300 clicks (186 miles) in an Inster with a 42-kWh battery.
As for power, Hyundai says both models are powered by a single motor which delivers 95 horsepower in base variant; and 113 horses in the long-range car. Both versions offer about 110 lb-ft of torque. Anticipating your next question, a Fiat 500e puts out 117 horses and 162 torques.
Circling back to size, Hyundai makes the interesting assertion that shoppers in some European markets are starting to segment EVs by their range instead of by size. Rather than group the Inster with other gassers measuring 3.8 metres long (like the Mini) some shoppers simply lumped it in with other EVs – no matter the size – capable of travelling 350 kilometres in one sitting. This is noteworthy, not for the least of which that it brings price to the fore. Sure, a large crossover might hit the 350-km mark, but with a lot more weight, size, and cost.
The pert Inster can origami its interior, folding all seats flat including the driver’s (when stopped, obviously). Other elements of its cabin recall present Hyundai EVs, which is a good thing. A front bench-seat option, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are available, along with second-row chairs which are split 50-50, and also slide and recline.
Hyundai plans to launch the Inster this summer in Korea, followed by Europe and other markets. The words “North America” has yet to escape anyone’s lips in an official capacity. However, there will be an additional variant, called the Inster Cross, joining the lineup as some point in the future. Given this continent’s thirst for rigs with that image, perhaps it will appear.
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