Hyundai just launched its cheapest EV in Japan, starting at only $18,000

Hyundai’s cheapest EV is now available in Japan. Starting at just $18,000, the new Hyundai Inster EV is the most affordable electric car in its segment, even cheaper than BYD’s Dolphin.

Hyundai’s cheapest Inster EV is now available in Japan

Since re-entering the market in early 2022, Hyundai has only introduced several vehicles in Japan, including the IONIQ 5, Kona Electric, and Nexo FCEV.

The Inster EV is Hyundai’s fourth electric car, and it could be its biggest hit so far. On Friday, Hyundai opened orders for its newest EV in Japan. Starting at just 2,849,000 yen, or around $18,000, the Inster is Hyundai’s cheapest electric vehicle on the market.

Hyundai unveiled the Inster for the first time at the Busan Mobility Show in Korea last summer. It’s already rolling out in Europe and Korea.

In its home market, the Inster is known as the Casper Electric and has already become one of Korea’s top-selling EVs.

Powered by a 49 kWh battery, the Inster is rated with up to 195 miles (315 km) driving range in Korea. In Europe, the Casper Electric gets up to 221 miles (355 km) WLTP range. The low-cost EV is available in Japan with 42 or 49 kWh battery options.

Buyers in Japan can choose from three trims with prices ranging from 2,849,000 yen ($18,000) to 3,575,000 yen ($22,700).

At 3,830 mm long, 1,610 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm, the Inster EV is slightly smaller than BYD’s Dolphin (4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, wheelbase of 2,700 mm).

Hyundai’s new EV undercuts the Dolphin, which starts at around $24,500 (3.63 million yen), as one of Japan’s most affordable electric cars.

The new low-cost electric car should help boost Hyundai’s sales in the region. Last year, Hyundai sold just over 600 vehicles in Japan, while BYD sold over 2,200. Since entering Japan in 2023, BYD has launched several top-selling EVs, including the Dolphin, Atto 3 SUV, and Seal.

Hyundai’s new EV will also compete with Japan’s top-selling electric car, the Nissan Sakura, which costs around $16,500 (2.6 million yen).

Will the Hyundai Inster break into Japan’s EV market? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below.