Hyundai Interested in Bringing Affordable EV to Indonesia, Inster a Candidate

KatadataOTO – The presence of affordable electric cars in the country is becoming more widespread. During the GIIAS 2025 event, the model touted as the cheapest electric vehicle or EV in the world, the BYD Atto 1, debuted in Indonesia.

This has certainly caught the attention of many manufacturers. Because consumers are getting more choices amidst economic challenges.

Seeing this, PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia (HMID) admitted that there is one product whose arrival in Indonesia is still in a 'tug-of-war' stage.

Because they believe that affordable electric cars may not necessarily reach target consumers like first-car buyers.

Photo : Hyundai Worldwide

“There are hybrid cars, there are cheap EVs. Again, is the infrastructure adequate? We can't force them to enter the Eastern regions, for example,” said Fransiscus Soerjopranoto, Chief Operating Officer of PT HMID on the sidelines of GIIAS 2025 some time ago.

He said that government policies are also a supporting factor for the popularity of affordable electric cars. So there are many things to consider before they launch their latest electrification product.

Although interested, Frans is still reluctant to talk further about the affordable Hyundai electric car that will be launched in Indonesia.

“There is one product, still in a tug-of-war. But it's not Completely Knocked Down (CKD),” said Frans.

According to him, Hyundai's newest electrification model will have the status of a fully imported or Completely Built Up (CBU) unit.

“Just wait for the launch date,” said Frans when asked about the Inster EV.

Previously Studied for Indonesian Market Entry

In 2024, Hyundai did not deny that they were conducting a study to bring the Inster EV to consumers in the country.

Frans emphasized that Hyundai wants to offer a variety of products to consumers, not just for the upper-middle segment.

Photo : Hyundai

The Hyundai Inster EV could be a strong candidate for the South Korean brand's affordable electric car. 

However, Hyundai certainly needs to consider an appropriate selling price, especially seeing Chinese competitors becoming more aggressive in lowering prices.

Especially if the Hyundai Inster EV enters Indonesia as a CBU car. Its price tag could certainly be more expensive.