Hyundai's Affordable EV Enters Global Market, Priced at Around 200 Million Rupiah

KatadataOTO – The South Korean manufacturer, Hyundai, seems to have a new strategy to compete with Chinese manufacturers. Recently, Hyundai's cheapest electric car, the Inster EV, officially launched in Japan.

For context, this car first debuted at the Busan Mobility Show and has just been offered in South Korea and Europe.

In its segment, this electric car is said to compete with the BYD Dolphin. Even in Japan, its price is 2.8 million yen (around IDR 294.4 million), cheaper than the Dolphin, which is around 3.63 million yen or IDR 374.2 million.

The L x W x H dimensions of the Inster EV are 3,830 mm x 1,610 mm x 1,615 mm with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. The BYD Dolphin is slightly longer at 4,290 mm x 1,770 mm x 1,570 mm and a wheelbase of 1,570 mm.

Photo : Hyundai Worldwide

The Hyundai Inster EV has a compact size, making it suitable for city use. Speaking of the powertrain, the Inster EV is equipped with a 49 kWh capacity battery.

On a single charge, the electric car is claimed to be able to travel up to 315 km. For comparison, the BYD Dolphin's range is still further, at 410 km to 490 km, based on the NEDC testing method.

The presence of the Inster EV is intended to boost Hyundai's sales in Japan. It is not yet certain if the South Korean brand is interested in bringing it to the Indonesian market.

On a separate occasion, PT HMID (Hyundai Motors Indonesia) once revealed that the Inster EV is in the study phase before entering Indonesia.

“We are currently studying the Inster, we can't say no or yes. If it's indeed possible for the market, why not?” said Fransiscus Soerjopranoto, Chief Operating Officer of PT HMID, when met in South Jakarta some time ago.

Photo : Hyundai Worldwide

He emphasized that all Hyundai product lines launched globally have a chance to hit the roads domestically. Especially if they are configured for RHD, a.k.a. right-hand drive.

“It's not certain that the Inster will enter (Indonesia), but we are also interested. It will depend on the market,” Frans asserted.

With specifications not much different from the BYD Dolphin, the main challenge for the Inster EV in the country seems to be the price. If that cheap electric car from Hyundai enters with a CBU (Completely Built-Up) scheme, there's a chance its price tag will soar above other Chinese products.