Hyundai Inster EV Unveiled – How Does It Compare Against 2024 Tata Punch EV? | V3Cars

Hyundai Inster EV Vs Tata Punch EV Specifications Compared

Since the Inster EV could form the basis of an electric version of the Exter small SUV, let’s compare how its powertrain compares against the Tata Punch EV:

*Estimated mileage based on ARAI testing cycle

Hyundai have revealed that the Inster's smaller battery pack variants will offer a 42kWh battery pack, which is 7kWh larger than the battery pack of the Punch EV long range. The Punch EV offers a claimed range of 421km with the 35kWh battery pack with an efficiency of 12.03kmpu. With the smaller, 25kWh battery pack, the Punch EV offers slightly better efficiency of 12.6kmpu and a range of 315km.

It's safe to assume that the Inster EV will manage to achieve slightly better mileage figures than the Punch EV in our extremely linient ARAI tests. So, a mileage figure of 12.6kmpu for the 42kWh Inster and 12.6kmpu for the 49kWh variants is reasonable expectation. With these assumptions, we can expect the Inster to achieve 542km range with the smaller battery pack and more than 600km with the larger battery pack.

In terms of performance, the Inster makes 97PS and 115PS of power with the smaller and larger battery packs, respectively. The torque rating remains constant at 147Nm. This suggests that most of the additional power comes from revving up the motor to a higher RPM.

The Punch EV 25kWh makes less power and torque than the Inster 42kWh. But with the 35kWh, the Punch EV makes more power and torque than the Inster 49kWh.

Hyundai have equipped the Inster with 120kW DC fast charging capability that can charge the battery from 10 - 80 percent in around 30 minutes. The small electric SUV also comes with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.

Other features of the Inster’s electric powertrain include external and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices (110V/220V) and allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment.

While Hyundai India are reportedly preparing the Creta EV ahead of its debut at the end of 2024. The 49kWh battery with an estimated ARAI range of 617km, seems like an overkill for the Indian market. Even with a 32kWh and a 40kWh battery pack, the Exter can easily out-do the Punch EV in ARAI numbers and deliver 400km and 500km, respectively.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Interior And Features Spied

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2024 Hyundai Inster Design And Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the Inster measures 3825mm long, which is 230mm more than the Casper it is based on. The wheelbase gets a 180mm increase to free up more space for the passengers and under-floor battery pack. While the Inster EV’s length is only 2mm shorter than the 2024 Punch EV, it is 132mm narrower and 40mm shorter than the Tata Punch EV. The Casper and the Inster are 4-seaters and not for Indian markets. So, in an attempt to Indianise the Inster, we expect Hyundai to widen the Inster for the Indian audience. It will not only make room for the 5th passenger, but also give the car broader shoulders and a stronger road presence.

As far as design is concerned, the Inster features several changes over the Casper it is based on. Up front, the small EV gets circular LED DRLs and LED headlights on the front bumper and LED turn indicators with a pixel effect on the edges of the bonnet. A faux skid plate lends the front end a rugged look. Front cameras, ADAS sensors and charging port are neatly hidden behind a black panel between the headlamps.

The side profile looks similar to the Casper. The chunky rear wheel arches and 17-inch 4-spoke alloy wheels are some of the standout design elements around the side of the Inster EV. Other features include pillar-mounted rear door handles, roof rails and ORVMs with turn indicators.

At the rear, the Inster offers connected light bars with the signature pixel effect. The Inster also features an integrated rear spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp. The tail lamps mimic the circular shape of the headlamps and reside in the rear bumper. Like at the front, the rear bumper features a faux skip plate as well.

2024 Hyundai Inster Cabin Features

On the inside, Hyundai are offering the Inster EV with features such as:

• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charger
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Drive selector on steering column
• Heated front seats
• 360-degree surround view camera
• Ambient lighting
• Blindspot monitor
• Sunroof
• ADAS features 

Hyundai Inster EV – Will It Come To India?

As we mentioned before, Hyundai India are yet to confirm if the Inster EV will launch on our shores. It's worth noting that the Exter is doing relatively well but not challenging the Punch enough. So, we can expect the Inster to come to India with some modifications so that Hyundai get a second chance to counter the Punch brand. In recent months, the Punch has become one of the strongest brands in India and it has started to beat Maruti Suzuki to become the best selling car in certain months. Meanwhile, the Exter has been around for a year and it's not even hitting the 10,000 production mark per month. So, instead of an Exter EV, we may get the Inster in the next couple of years.

 Also Read: Opinion (2021) - Is Hyundai Casper Coming To India Or Not?

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