Hyundai Inster micro EV prepped for Japan. Will it come to India?
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Hyundai Inster has garnered significant attention in the South Korean automotive market. In response to increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers, the company is set to introduce its entry-level all-electric model in Japan, which ranks as the fourth-largest vehicle market globally. However, the question arises regarding India's market strategy. As anticipation builds for the launch of the Creta EV, scheduled for January 17 at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, Hyundai is also preparing to expand its portfolio with additional fully-electric models.
The Hyundai Inster, priced at $18,000 (approximately ₹15 lakhs), has achieved considerable success in South Korea as an entry-level electric vehicle. Introducing an affordable EV could enable Hyundai to capture a larger share of the Indian electric vehicle market. Nevertheless, the company has yet to disclose which models will follow the Creta EV. Currently, the electric variant of the highly popular Creta will be added to the lineup alongside the Kona and Ioniq 5.
Also watch: Hyundai Creta EV unveiled. What does it offer? Launch timeline, range, battery, charging explained
What makes the Hyundai Inster special?
The entry-level Hyundai Inster, priced at $18,000, serves as a compelling attraction for consumers. Upon its launch in Japan, this model will surpass the BYD Dolphin, establishing itself as the most affordable electric vehicle in the market.
While pricing plays a pivotal role in the success of any electric vehicle, it is not the only factor that influences its market performance. In international markets, the Inster is available with two battery options: 42 kWh and 49 kWh. It boasts a claimed maximum range of up to 370 kilometers per charge and can reach a top speed of 150 km/h, earning commendations as a practical choice for urban commuting, with the capability for occasional highway travel.
However, the Inster's spatial capacity is not its strongest attribute, as its overall length and wheelbase are only slightly greater than those of the Hyundai Venue. Although it is anticipated to align well with Japan's 'kei car' segment, the possibility of a launch in India remains uncertain.
Will Hyundai Inster come to India?
Speculation regarding the entry of Inster into the Indian market has been prevalent for some time. Although company representatives have confirmed plans to introduce four new electric vehicles (EVs) in India, beginning with the Creta EV, detailed information has yet to be disclosed.
It is rumored that while the Creta EV will be the primary model for the time being, the significant impact from the Korean manufacturer is expected to come from the Inster EV, which is anticipated to compete with the Tata Punch EV in this market. Should the Inster EV be introduced—an outcome that appears increasingly likely—it may undergo specific modifications tailored for the Indian market and will almost certainly be produced at the company’s facility near Chennai.
Currently, the Tata Punch EV is priced at over ₹10 lakh. What do you believe would be an appropriate pricing strategy for the Hyundai Inster EV if it were to enter the Indian market?
Read Also: MG M9 Electric Limousine Set to Debut in India: Essential Highlights to Consider
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