India-bound Hyundai Inster to have 355 km range, rival Tata Punch EV

After its debut at the Busan International Mobility Show, Hyundai has confirmed the Inster EV’s India launch in 2026's latter half. It is considering the upcoming Creta EV’s E-GMP (K) platform for the forthcoming vehicle codenamed HE1i. It will take on the likes of Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3 upon launch. Inster’s arrival will follow Hyundai's entry into the eSUV segment with the Creta EV slated for launch next year. 

Based on the Hyundai Casper sold overseas, its dimensions have been stretched 230 millimetres to 3.9 metres. The 180 mm addition to HE1i’s wheelbase was done to house NMC battery packs with capacities of 42 kWh (Standard-300 km) and 49 kWh (Long Range-355 km), respectively. While the torque output is 147 Nm, two motors making 97 bhp and 115 bhp were announced internationally. The India-spec version is expected to retain this battery pair. A standard 11 kW charger is provided for charging duties.

Up front, the LED-pixel theme reminds of the Tetris game but is as per Hyundai’s recent design philosophy. Rear door handles on this one have been mounted on the C-pillar, something that we have seen in some iterations of the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Chevrolet Beat. The alloy pairs measure 15 and 17 inches, depending on the variant.

Inside, Hyundai may equip the EV with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging unit and sunroof. For extra legroom at the back, sliding rear seats will be installed. It even gets ADAS and a 360-degree camera as part of the equipment list. 

“We are following a transition strategy, starting with the launch of high-end, premium EVs. We plan to transition towards the mass markets as the EV market and ecosystem sales increase in India,” Hyundai said earlier.

Maruti Suzuki eWX - What We Know So Far?

To make the most of the green mobility wave, Maruti Suzuki is planning to enter the entry-level SUV segment with the eWX. Its concept was showcased by the Japanese carmaker at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2023. Notably, the brand recently filed a design patent for the same. Going by design leaks, it maintains a tall-boy hatchback look and could be the electric derivative of the WagonR. However, its battery specifications are still under wraps. The electric vehicle is likely to offer a claimed range of over 230 km, the same as the Comet EV. It is even expected to be priced under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). We expect it to arrive by mid-2026 or early 2027.

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