Budget-priced Hyundai Casper electric car spied, likely for Australia

South Korean car giant Hyundai is preparing its cheapest electric car yet – and it could be in Australian showrooms by the end of next year.

Image credit: Shorts Car on Instagram.

Hyundai is preparing to join the race for Australia’s cheapest new electric car with a budget-priced city hatch photographed testing in South Korea this week.

The South Korean car giant has been seen working on an electric version of the Casper, a high-riding petrol-powered city car sold in South Korea that shares its underpinnings with Australia’s cheapest new car, the Kia Picanto.

Plans for the electric Hyundai Casper city ‘SUV’ have not been confirmed by Hyundai in Australia or overseas, and the vehicle is yet to be unveiled globally.

However it is expected to reach showrooms in late 2024 – or early 2025, if there are any delays.

MORE: Hyundai Tucson hybrid confirmed for Australia, Casper electric car likely next year

It forms part of Hyundai Australia’s previously-announced plan to sell a hybrid or electric vehicle in every SUV segment it competes in by the end of next year.

While its proportions are closer to a slightly higher-riding hatchback than a true SUV, the Casper would be considered a “light SUV” by the industry body that publishes Australian new-car sales data.

Images posted to an Instagram ‘Story’ by South Korean photographer @shorts_car, the electric Casper appears to share its proportions and body shell with the petrol version on sale in South Korea since late 2021.

Most design details are obscured by the thick camouflage, however a closed-off front bumper is visible, with similar ‘parametric pixel’ detailing to what is seen on the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 electric cars, as well as the new Kona Electric SUV.

There are new alloy wheels, and unconventional ‘Front Radar’ text on the front radar sensor, in a blocky font inspired by computer pixels.

South Korean business news outlet Pulse reported last year Hyundai is developing an electric Casper for launch in 2024 with 400km of estimated driving range.

Petrol Hyundai Casper in South Korea.

Aimed at Europe – where executives have confirmed plans for a budget-priced city electric car of some form – the electric Casper would reportedly be priced from the equivalent of $AU37,000.

It would be in the running for the title of Australia’s cheapest new electric car, currently held by the BYD Dolphin Dynamic at $38,890 plus on-road costs – $100 cheaper than the MG 4 Excite 51 ($38,990), both from China.

Hyundai has filed to trademark the Casper name in Australia, Drive has previously reported.

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