Hyundai may release its smallest EV in Australia this year at around $40,000

Hyundai has released details of its newly announced Inster, the Korean car maker’s smallest and most affordable electric vehicle to date that has been officially unveiled at the Busan International Mobility Show.

Timing and prices for the Australian market are still unknown at this stage, although Hyundai has confirmed the Inster will shortly enter production for the Korean and European market, followed by the Middle East and Asia Pacific in due course.

Our current best guess is that we could see the Inster arrive down under in late 2024 or early 2025 with a starting price of around AUD$40,000, competing with EVs such as the MG4, MG ZS EV, BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, Nissan Leaf and soon to be released Chery Omoda E5.

See our EV Models page for full details of what else is available.

Entry level Inster variants come with a 42 kWh standard range battery offering up to 300 km WLTP range. Long-Range Inster variants are fitted with a 49 kWh battery, increasing WLTP driving range to 355 km.

Some anticipated the standard range battery pack would use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, although just like the Hyundai Kona Electric, both standard range and long range Inster battery packs utilise Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) chemistry manufactured by LG.

Power is fed to the front wheels via a single electric motor, delivering 71 kW in the base variant and 85 kW in Long-Range variants. Both versions offer 147 Nm of torque.

DC fast charging charging time is quoted as 30 minutes from 10-80 % when connected to a 120 kW charger. AC charging speed is up to 11 kW and vehicle to load (V2L) functionality is also included. Hyundai has not provided a power figure for V2L, although it is safe to assume it matches the maximum 15 A / 3 kW common to other Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

Design wise, the Inster combines a futuristic, innovative image with a spacious interior in a compact SUV body. Inster is based on the Korean-market only Casper ICE SUV, but has been lengthened by 230 mm as well as widened to provide more interior space and versatility.

“With Inster, we’ve taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. 

“Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximizes its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”

The interior of the Inster has some unique features such as walk-through access in the front row and the ability to fold all 4 seats flat. The two rear seats are split 50/50 and can slide and recline for flexibility in terms of legroom vs boot space.

Infotainment is provided by dual 10.25 inch displays, one functions as a driver’s display and the second as a central touchscreen. This setup is similar to other Hyundai EVs such as the Kona and Ioniq range, although larger screens in those vehicles measure 12.3 inches.

An additional variant called Inster Cross will join the Inster family in the future, featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design and enhanced off-road capability. Hyundai will announce further details of this variant at a later date.

Hyundai Inster specifications

Specifications below are based on European-model Hyundai Inster. Features, technology and claimed figures may differ depending on the market.