Hyundai launched its cheapest electric vehicle, the Inster EV, in Japan, starting at approximately $18,000.

The Inster EV is available with 42 or 49 kWh battery options, offering a driving range of up to 195 miles (315 km) in Korea and up to 221 miles (355 km) WLTP range in Europe.

The Inster EV is Hyundai's fourth electric car in Japan, following the IONIQ 5, Kona Electric, and Nexo FCEV.

The Inster EV is priced between 2,849,000 yen ($18,000) and 3,575,000 yen ($22,700) in Japan, making it more affordable than BYD's Dolphin, which starts at around $24,500.

Hyundai's entry into the Japanese market with the Inster EV aims to increase its sales, as it sold just over 600 vehicles in Japan last year compared to BYD's 2,200 vehicles.