Low-priced EVs are starting to appear in markets around the world—and not all of them are Chinese. Korean brand Hyundai has just opened orders for its Inster EV in Japan at a starting price equivalent to around $18,000. That’s even cheaper than BYD’s Dolphin at $24,500. (However, it’s not the cheapest EV available in Japan—the Nissan Sakura goes for around $16,500.)
Hyundai pulled out of the Japanese market back in 2009, but today’s Hyundai is a very different company—it returned to Japan in 2022, and now sells three EV models there, including the IONIQ 5 and Kona Electric.
Hyundai unveiled the Inster at the Busan Mobility Show in Korea last summer, and it’s now on sale in Korea and Europe. In its home market, the Inster is sold as the Casper Electric, and is one of Korea’s top-selling EVs.
The Inster is available in Japan with either a 42 or 49 kWh battery pack, and boasts up to 195 miles of range. Three trim levels are offered: Casual, at 2,849,000 yen (~$18,000); Voyage, at 3,355,000 yen ($21,300); and Lounge, at 3,575,000 yen ($24,500)
