Hyundai is all set to disrupt India’s compact electric vehicle segment with the much awaited INSTER EV, to be available in showrooms by June 2026. The Korean automaker’s latest offering will take on the Tata Punch EV with an aggressive pricing strategy and feature loaded package.
The INSTER made its global debut at the Busan International Motor Show 2024 and won the 2025 World Electric Vehicle Award. Now, Hyundai is bringing this award winning compact SUV to Indian roads with local manufacturing at their Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu.
Competitive Pricing
Industry sources indicate the INSTER will be priced between ₹9 lakh to ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom), directly taking on the Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3. This competitive pricing is possible as Hyundai will be manufacturing the vehicle locally, reducing import duties and production costs significantly.
The company will be using batteries from local supplier Exide, further strengthening the cost equation and ensuring supply chain stability for Indian operations.
Performance
The INSTER comes with two battery options to suit different driving needs:
Standard Range:
- 42 kWh battery pack with 97 PS power and 147 Nm torque
- Real world range of over 300 km on single charge
- 0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds
- Top speed of 140 km/h
Long Range:
- 49 kWh battery with 115 PS power and same 147 Nm torque
- Range of up to 355 km
- 0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds
- Top speed of 150 km/h
Fast Charging
Charging anxiety will be a thing of the past with the INSTER’s robust charging infrastructure support. The vehicle can charge up to 120 kW DC fast charging and can charge 10% to 80% in 30 minutes at compatible charging stations.
For home charging, the 11 kW AC charging can give you overnight top ups, with the standard battery taking 4 hours and the long range battery taking 4 hours 35 minutes to fully charge.
Technology and Features
The INSTER’s cabin has dual 10.25-inch displays – one for digital instrument cluster and another for infotainment. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.
Notable features:
- Wireless phone charging with cooling function
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel and front seats
- Single-pane sunroof
- Smart cruise control with stop-and-go
- Vehicle-to-Load up to 3.6 kW
Safety and Driver Assistance
Global INSTER has all safety features, Indian specs may vary to keep the price competitive. Expected safety features will be multiple airbags, electronic stability control and hill start assist.
Advanced driver assistance will include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and auto emergency braking depending on variant.
Design and Practicality
Inspired by Hyundai’s pixel-graphic design language on Ioniq 5, INSTER has distinctive styling with LED projection headlamps and contrasting roof options. Cross variant has more rugged design elements and roof rails.
ALSO READ: KTM’s First Electric Bike Unveiled: India Launch Soon?
Despite its compact 3,825mm length, INSTER has maximum space with flexible seating. Rear seats slide, recline and fold flat, expanding cargo space from 280 liters to 1,059 liters.
Market Impact
Hyundai sees INSTER as a key part of their Indian EV strategy, targeting high volume segments with practical urban mobility solutions. It directly challenges Tata in compact EV space and offers Korean build quality and global design.
Local manufacturing keeps the price competitive and supports Hyundai’s overall commitment to Indian market. They expect big volumes from this product, especially among urban customers looking for city mobility.
Hyundai INSTER EV Key Specifications
| Specification | Standard Range | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Expected) | ₹9-10 lakh | ₹10-12 lakh |
| Battery Capacity | 42 kWh | 49 kWh |
| Power Output | 97 PS | 115 PS |
| Range (WLTP) | 327 km | 370 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 11.7 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | 150 km/h |
| DC Fast Charging | 73 kW | 85 kW |
| AC Charging Time | 4 hours | 4 hours 35 minutes |
| Boot Space | 280-1059 liters | 280-1059 liters |
| Launch Timeline | June 2026 | June 2026 |
Hyundai INSTER is a well thought out strategy to enter India’s compact EV space with global tech and local pricing. By June 2026, this will change the face of affordable EV in India.
