Hyundai Casper (Inster) Electric Long Range

Overview

The Hyundai Casper Electric, known as the 'Inster' in Europe, storms into the small EV scene! This Long Range variant is a dinky dynamo, now in production, aiming to be your perfect city sidekick with a surprising amount of pep. It’s all about affordable electric motoring, packing a decent punch for its size. With an attractive starting price around €25,400 new, it's gunning for the budget-conscious buyer wanting a practical, zero-emissions runabout. Key highlights include its compact footprint, impressive real-world range for its class, and Hyundai's growing EV expertise.

What's New for 2025?

The Casper Electric, or 'Inster' for us in Europe, is essentially brand new for the 2024/2025 model year! While its petrol-powered Casper sibling has been around in Korea, this all-electric version is a fresh contender, marking Hyundai's push into the super-compact EV segment globally. For Europe, the Inster Long Range arrives packed with features tailored for urban explorers. Expect the latest Hyundai tech, a focus on efficiency, and a design that's both cute and contemporary, ready to tackle European city streets from its launch.

Design & Exterior

The Inster Long Range rocks a chunky, micro-SUV vibe that's totally on-trend! It's compact at just 3825 mm long, 1610 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1575 mm tall, making it a doddle to park. Expect distinctive pixel-style LED lights, like its Ioniq big brothers, giving it a modern, techy face. The Long Range trim will likely sport some stylish alloy wheels and unique accents to make it stand out. Its boxy shape isn't just for show; it hints at a surprisingly roomy interior for such a small package.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Inster Long Range, and you'll find a cleverly packaged cabin. While compact, it seats five and feels surprisingly airy, with a focus on practical, durable materials. Tech-wise, expect a modern digital driver's display and a central touchscreen infotainment system, likely with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo space is a decent 280 litres in the boot, expanding to 351 litres with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra bits, but the main boot should handle daily duties just fine.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Inster Long Range isn't a rocket ship, but it’s got enough poke for zippy city driving! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sends 85 kW and 147 Nm of torque to the front wheels, getting you from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 10.6 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Expect a comfortable, easy-going ride perfect for urban commutes, with light steering and nimble handling. Regenerative braking modes will help you claw back some energy, and it should feel nippy off the line thanks to that instant electric torque.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Long Range Inster packs a 46 kWh (usable) battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 302 km – pretty solid for a city slicker! Efficiency is rated at an impressive 6.57 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port, thanks to its 400V architecture. At home on its standard 11 kW AC on-board charger, a full top-up will take around 4.5 hours. Hit a DC fast charger, and it can accept up to 120 kW, likely getting you 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is also anticipated.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the Euro NCAP rating for the Inster Long Range is yet to be announced, expect Hyundai to equip it with a comprehensive suite of safety kit. Standard features will likely include multiple airbags, ABS, and stability control. You can also anticipate Hyundai’s SmartSense package, potentially offering Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning as standard. Higher trims or optional packs might add Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and smart cruise control, making it a safe urban companion.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai typically offers a cracking warranty package in Europe, and the Inster Long Range should follow suit. Expect a 5-year, unlimited kilometre basic vehicle warranty, which is brilliant peace of mind. The crucial high-voltage battery will likely be covered for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, guaranteeing a certain level of capacity retention. Powertrain components will also have extensive coverage. EVs generally require less maintenance than petrol cars, meaning fewer trips to the dealer for routine servicing, saving you time and cash in the long run.