One cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment when looking at the latest electric vehicle from Hyundai, the Inster. With over 200 miles of range, a retro-inspired interior, and an affordable price tag of less than $26,000, it seems like the perfect contender for the North American market craving affordable EV options. However, despite the desperate need for such vehicles in the US, the Inster has been denied a debut on American roads.
The automotive industry is abuzz with talks of more affordable electric vehicles. Tesla has been hinting at a $25,000 “Model 2,” Ford is working on cracking the code with its Silicon Valley skunkworks team, and GM is promising cheaper EVs like the Chevy Equinox EV and Ultium-based Chevy Bolt. Yet, the Volvo EX30 and the Kia EV3 are still in the works, leaving a void in the market that the Inster could have filled.
Unfortunately, much like the Honda e before it, the Hyundai Inster seems to be too small for the American market’s preference for larger vehicles. While it will be launching in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, it’s disheartening to see that North America is not on the list of countries getting this cute and affordable electric vehicle.
The Hyundai Inster boasts a compact design, taller than a Hyundai Elantra but shorter than a Mitsubishi Mirage. It offers a range of up to 220 miles with its longer-range battery option and comes with a single electric motor producing up to 113hp. Inside, the Inster features a mix of screens and physical controls rarely seen in modern cars, including a 10.3-inch instrument cluster and a center display touchscreen. It also offers creature comforts like a wireless charging pad and a heated steering wheel.
Despite its appealing features and affordable price, the Hyundai Inster will remain out of reach for American consumers. While other regions will get to enjoy this small electric crossover, the US market will have to wait for other affordable EV options to fill the gap. It’s a missed opportunity for Hyundai to make a splash in the American EV market and provide consumers with a compelling option in the growing electric vehicle landscape.
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