Hyundai Unveils New Sub-Compact EV ‘Inster’

Hyundai Unveils New Sub-Compact EV ‘Inster’

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the ‘Inster’, a new sub-compact electric vehicle at the Busan International Mobility Show 2024. 

Exterior

Built on the ‘Casper’, a Korea-specific, petrol sub-compact SUV introduced in 2021, the Inster’s design gets an extended body and wheelbase. With the expanded dimensions, the Inster is positioned between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compact models.

The exterior design is characterised by smooth, rounded edges, bulged fenders, a circuit board-style bumper and a skid plate at the front and rear.

The Inster’s gets LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp and bumpers. LED projection headlamps and a two-tone exterior with a blacked-out roof are also offered on some variants. The Inster gets 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, 15-inch alloy wheels or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the variant.

Exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte and Unbleached Ivory, as well as several new paint-jobs, such as Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl. Some exterior colour choices will be available in two-tone combinations with a contrasting black roof. The paint of the Inster, Hyundai claims, is sustainable featuring black high-gloss recycled paint, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint with a colouring made from recycled waste tires.

 

Interior

On the inside, the Inster features a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a wireless charging dock as a part of the centre console. The pixel theme is repeated inside, also featuring customisable upper door trim garnishes for owners to further personalise the vehicle.

The Inster’s front row seating provides walk-through access and all seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat – for increased flexibility. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also available. The second-row seats are slidable, can recline and also split 50-50. 

Interior trim choices include Black, and Khaki Brown and Newtro Beige two-tone with full cloth trim. According to Hyundai, the interior of the Inster also uses sustainable materials like recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used inside.

Hyundai says that the Inster will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific in due course. Most equipment and technologies will come fitted as standard with extra convenience and design features available as options. The exact specifications is set to be confirmed closer to the launch. Hyundai has also planned an additional variant in the future called ‘Inster Cross’ featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design.

"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 maximises its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we're redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV," added Simon.

 

Performance and Range

The Inster EV is equipped with a 42 kWh battery as standard, and is also available with a long-range 49 kWh battery as an option. Both models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1 kW (97 PS) in the base variant and 84.5 kW (115 PS) in the long-range model. Both versions offer 147 Nm of torque.

With a claimed range of 355km on a single charge for the long-range model, the Inster requires an estimated energy consumption of 15.3 kWh/100 km. (Both figures are for the 15-inch wheels) The standard range model gets a claimed range of more than 300km.

The sub-compact EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions when using a 120 kW DC high-power charging station. It also comes equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.

External and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality provides power for external devices (110V/220V), allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment.

 

Specifications and Features

 

Dimensions (mm)Length: 3,825 Wheelbase: 2,580, Width:1,610 Height: 1,575
Luggage space (VDA)280 litres (up to 351 litres with sliding rear seats)
Wheel options17-inch alloy, 15-inch alloy, 15-inch steel with wheel covers 
BatteryStandard: 42 kWh / Long-Range: 49 kWh
VoltageStandard: 266 V / Long-Range: 310 V
Max powerStandard: 71.1 kW and 97 PS / Long-Range: 84.5 kW and 115 PS
Max speedStandard: 140 km/h / Long-Range: 150 km/h
0-100 km/hStandard: 11.7 s / Long-Range: 10.6 s
Projected consumption15.3 kWh/ 100 km (with 15-inch wheels) 
AC charging time (at OBC power)

Standard: 4 hours (16A)

Long-Range: 4 hours 35 minutes (16A)

ADAS featuresSurround View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC)w/ Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear, Rear View Monitor (RVM).


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

Comments (0)

Add Comment

Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, part of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility, is gearing up to launch an e-Small Commercial Vehicle (e-SCV). 

Once launched, the vehicle is expected to bring about a significant change in India's mid-mile and last-mile mobility sectors, thanks to its cutting edge technology, distinctive design, strong performance, and durable build quality. The company says the development of the e- SCV will be a culmination of extensive research and rigorous testing.

Founded in February 2022 as a subsidiary of Tube Investments of India (TI), TICMPL is foussing on clean mobility solutions. With the inclusion of e-SCVs as its fourth EV platform, TICMPL is now positioned to offer complete mobility solutions to enterprises and logistics companies, serving their needs across intercity, intracity, and last-mile applications.

Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice Chairman, TII said “Montra Electric represents our commitment to enhancing life through eco-friendly mobility solutions, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for us. The electric vehicle industry is experiencing an exciting phase of development, not only in India but globally as well. We have dedicated our top resources and time to develop this product, and we are looking forward to the customer response upon its launch in the coming months. At Montra Electric, our goal is to offer products and solutions that are beneficial for both our customers and our business, ensuring practicality and sustainability.”

He further stated that India is poised to lead the global adoption of electric vehicles, second only to China. 

“TICMPL is making impressive strides in the electric vehicle sector with a substantial commitment of INR 3,000 crore. Currently, we are developing four platforms, including the successful MHCV truck and electric three-wheeler already in the market. What excites me the most is our upcoming Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) platform. SCV represents the largest category in the commercial vehicle segment, making our entry into this arena particularly thrilling. This segment is primed to adopt EVs swiftly, supported by policies, government initiatives, and increasing adoption rates. Our dedication to becoming the foremost player in this segment in India is unwavering. The TIVOLT e-SCV is poised to be a standout product, a definite winner in the market,” concluded Vellayan Subbiah.

Comments (0)

Add Comment

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (LMM), a division of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, has set up several charging stations near autorickshaw stands, auto driver home clusters and junctions. LMM has done this through strategic charging vendors. The division has done so to boost EV penetration in Mumbai and its suburbs.

Chargers have also been installed at Mahindra outlets and Mahindra Mitra Technician spots wherein customers can charge their three-wheelers. The charging points have been positioned in strategic locations like Malad, Kandivali, Mira Road, Navi Mumbai, Vasai, Virar, Andheri and so on. This is an ongoing process and the Mahindra team, along with key stakeholders, has identified additional charging spots in and around Mumbai and with due approvals, will commence work. The auto driver partners, too, have been notified of these additional charging points.

In addition to this, more than 60 mechanics have been trained by LMM’s service personnel to handle Mahindra three-wheeler EVs.

Comments (0)

Add Comment

Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Six robust DC fast EV charging stations have been installed at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). They are available for service as Public Charging Stations (PCS) for passengers as well as guests visiting the airport. 

The EV station at Terminal 1 is at P1 - Multi-level Car Parking (MLCP). At Terminal 2, it is at P5 – MLCP. There is another station at the Airside of Terminal 2 as well. The owners of private EVs and commuters who will avail of the charging stations at MLCP in either terminals will be billed only for the charging sessions. They will be given a deduction against the parking fees.  

Adhering to all the requirements, policies and protocols outlined by the regulators, the charging stations at either terminal of CSMIA are of the CCS Type II Dual Gun 60 kW and GB/T (DC 001) Dual Gun 40 kW Charger type and compatible with all the prevailing EV cars in the country. There would be augmentation of 60 kW and 240 kW capacity EV chargers to cater to the needs of Airside logistics.  

CSMIA runs on 100 percent renewable energy with its onsite solar power plant, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) and procures green power. For EV charging, the airport will source 100 percent green power, according to sources in the know of the development.

 

Comments (0)

Add Comment

BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart, a leading electric vehicle cab service and EV charging infrastructure network company, has raised $24 million (INR 2 billion) in pre-Series B funding round.

The company saw investment from responsAbility Investments (a leading impact asset manager); Sumant Sinha (a leading player in the Renewable Energy sector); MS Dhoni Family Office (former Indian cricket team captain); existing investors and BluSmart founders. 

The funding the company says will be deployed to expand its operations in India, as well as grow its EV charging infrastructure and assets.

Interestingly, the company claims it has grown its fleet of 70 electric vehicles in January 2019 to 7,500 EVs plying across Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. Its EVs have clocked over half a billion (500+ million) electric kms and delivered over 16 million electric trips saving nearly 40 million kgs of CO2 emissions since launch. The company has over 9,800 driver partners and also operates one of the largest EV charging infrastructure with 50 EV Charging Hubs spread across 2 million sqft. 

BluSmart states it recently crossed INR 5.5 billion ARR ($65 million Annual Revenue Run-rate).

Punit Goyal, Co-Founder, BluSmart said, “BluSmart is building an integrated energy-infrastructure, mobility and technology company to take the full advantage of the EV revolution. Our latest fundraise of $24 million is an important step in our journey to scale the e-mobility fleet and EV Charging Infrastructure.”

Sameer Tirkar, Head of Climate Infrastructure Investments APAC at responsAbility Investments AG said, “We are happy to continue our partnership with BluSmart through our second round of funding. BluSmart has been able to lead the way in building from the grounds up an entire EV ecosystem to disrupt the conventional modes of commute without compromising on reliability and convenience. We believe in their vision and capabilities in creating positive environmental and social impact by reducing carbon emissions in urban transportation.”

Sumant Sinha said, “The future of mobility is electric, and e-mobility is a crucial step in making the shift to cleaner, emissions-free transportation. India’s growing economy and favourable policies provide ample impetus to this transition. I am excited to partner with BluSmart in their growth journey.”

Comments (0)

Add Comment