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Hyundai Inster EV Teaser Image

Hyundai Casper-based Inster Sub-compact EV Teased w/ 355 km of Range

Once launched, it will be the cheapest electric car from the Korean auto giant by quite some margin. Hyundai has officially teased the Casper-based Inster sub-compact EV ahead of the debut at the Busan International Mobility Show in late June. The first glimpses of the A-segment EV evidently inform about Casper’s inspiration. Note that Casper is a Korea-only sub-compact SUV which was introduced back in 2021. It was almost imminent that an electric version of the Casper would eventually make its way into the international market at some point. Later this month, we get to acquaint ourselves with the Inster at the Busan International Mobility Show in South Korea. You might also like: Upcoming Affordable Kia Electric EVs – EV2 and EV3 Hyundai Inster Sub-Compact EV The official images surfaced courtesy of an official press release by Hyundai. The first aspect one notices is the round LED DRLs on the bumper. On top of these sit LED plus pixel-graphic turn indicators on the bonnet. Hyundai is following the modern approach of placing the main headlights on the bumper. These bear a striking resemblance with the Casper. The silhouette even captures functional roof rails. That accentuates the SUV-ish traits even further. The charging point is located at the front and one can also see a rather unique 4-spoked alloy wheel pattern. While it is a bit difficult to estimate the dimensions of the EV from these images, I reckon they would be in the vicinity of Casper. Interestingly, the teaser images even capture a tiny bit of the rear profile. Here, we witness the ‘Inster’ badging and pixel LED taillamp pattern. This is something similar to what the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 get. I am also inclined to believe that it will bear an upright stance, much similar to the Casper. Hyundai says that the ‘Inster’ name is derived from “intimate” and “innovative” and “it will set new standards in terms of driving range, technology, and safety features, redefining what buyers can expect from a vehicle in this class.” Since the sub-compact EV is yet to debut, we don’t have any details regarding the powertrain and battery. However, the press release states that the maximum projected range of the Hyundai Inster EV will be 355 km (220 miles) (WLTP). Hence, we can ascertain that it is for urban usage as a daily driver rather than for long highway hauls. That is in line with what one expects from the estimated €20,000 (~ $21,500) price tag EV. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 7 Electric SUV Spied Testing Ahead of June 27 Debut Learn Electric Cars Says The world is moving toward affordable electric cars. In order to make EVs mass market, cost is the primary hurdle. We have seen the EV demand, sort of, plateauing in recent times in the biggest automobile markets – the U.S. and China. I feel in order to spur the demand now, the masses have to be involved. The first wave attracted contributions more from the relatively affluent sections of society. However, to make EVs a household name, prices have to be lower. That is where sub-$25,000 EVs come into the picture. Once the initial costs drop, people will be more open to taking the plunge. Granted, a lot of work still needs to be done on developing adequate charging infrastructure. But that is a long-term process and is being done rapidly. Finally, governments all across the major automobile markets in the world are offering incentives and subsidies to promote EVs. With time, we should be able to see the impact of all these factors. An EV like the Inster could be instrumental in creating a wave of affordable electric cars in times to come.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA

Hyundai To Use Carbon Fiber In Its EVs For Improved Performance

The Korean auto giant joins hands with Toray Industries, Inc. to develop advanced materials for a new era of mobility. The future Hyundai EVs stand to benefit from advanced materials including carbon fiber, for enhanced performance. Hyundai Motor Company has relentlessly been working toward embracing all facets of electric mobility. This includes sustainability, racing, affordability, technology, connectivity and now material science. The aim of the Korean car marque is clear, “Hyundai Motor Group aims to leverage this strategic partnership to strengthen its position as a global leader in mobility solutions”, says Chang Song, Hyundai’s President. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N To Be A Meaner Avatar Of The Ioniq 5 N Future Hyundai EVs To Use Carbon Fiber As per the official press release from Hyundai, the Korean auto giant has signed an agreement for strategic cooperation with Toray Industries, Inc., a pioneer in carbon fiber and composite material technology, to advance material innovation for a new era of mobility. For the unversed, Toray Industries are experts in fibers and textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber composite materials, environmental engineering and life science. This partnership is crucial for Hyundai Motor Group’s future mobility strategy. Hyundai is adopting a comprehensive approach by pursuing fundamental advancements in material technology, in addition to electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). President Chang Song concluded by saying, “By combining our automotive expertise with Toray Group’s material technology prowess, we aim to become the first mover and gain a competitive edge in the global market.” Toray Industries Toray Group is the global leader in carbon fiber which is a key material in automotive and aviation. The prime qualities of carbon fiber, as many of you would already be aware of, include lightweight, high strength, and heat resistance properties. Toray Industries President, Mitsuo Ohya remarked, “Toray Industries has developed innovative technology and materials focusing on electrification and sustainability to address the needs of customers in the constantly evolving automotive industry. We are happy to partner with Hyundai Motor Group to continue this innovation.” Among other key alliances of Toray Industries are with a California-based Joby Aviation. As a part of this partnership, Joby Aviation will utilize carbon fiber from Toray Industries to create its upcoming all-electric air taxi. In addition to that, the other prominent partnership is with Lilium. It is a German aerospace firm. In this case, the carbon fiber composite will be used on its fully electric five-seater jet. The Lilium Jet is an emissions-free aircraft that can take off and land vertically. It is designed to provide high-speed regional connections of up to 300 km in under 60 minutes. The aircraft’s primary structures, such as the fuselage, wings and flaps will all be made from carbon fiber. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car Marks Brand’s Entry Into EV Racing Learn Electric Cars Says Hyundai Motor Group is working in all directions to capitalize on every major technological breakthrough to ensure that its future EVs are much superior to their already impressive electric cars. Using lightweight materials will certainly boost range and performance. In fact, you must already know that supercars have been using carbon fiber elements for decades now. Reduction in weight always boosts the efficiency of automobiles. Hyundai aims to bring that aspect to its EVs, hopefully at a much more affordable price point. We also know that Hyundai has been creating the racing EVs after the Ioniq 5 N. Hence, it already offers re-tuned versions of its existing EVs. If it starts using carbon fiber elements, the regular EVs will get even more efficient. I shall keep an eye out for further developments in this regard as they unfold.