The Hyundai Casper mini SUV, currently only available in the South Korean market as a gas vehicle, is expected to have an EV version released in Europe in the third quarter, according to sources familiar with the matter. The EV version will feature a more affordable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of approximately 200-300 km (125-187 miles). Hyundai’s marketing lead in Europe, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, has indicated plans to target a price point of 20,000 euros for the EV.
This would position the Casper EV as a competitor to other small battery-electric options in the market, such as the China-built Dacia Spring, the Renault Twingo EV, and the Citroen e-C3, as well as upcoming offerings from Chinese automakers like SAIC-owned MG Motors and BYD. The gas version of the Casper, currently available in South Korea, meets the country’s “light car” regulations, measuring about 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide, and 1,575 mm tall. Camouflaged versions of the Casper have been observed testing in Europe, indicating a larger size of approximately 200 to 250 mm (eight to 10 inches) than the South Korean version.
The shift to an EV version and its potential competitive positioning in the European market raise interesting considerations.