We have known for some time that Hyundai wants to bet on cheap electric cars in Europe and, in addition, there has been information that has leaked that they will launch two models. Two different options that will serve to compete with the Dacia Spring. But they will also compete with other options such as the Citroën ë-C3 and the later FIAT Panda. Well, now we have more information about it, and we are already beginning to know key technical data such as, for example, the capacity of the battery or the power of the electric motor.
Right now the South Korean brand has the Hyundai i10 as a bet within the utility segment, and this model will be replaced, as we mentioned previously, by two small electric cars. That, indeed, they will bet on a low price to present themselves in the European market as an alternative to the Dacia Spring. Today, let us remember, that the Dacia Spring can be purchased for approximately 13,000 euros, with the help of the MOVES III Plan, and is around 230 km of range on the WLTP cycle in two options with 45 HP and 65 HP of power. maximum, respectively. Well, the Hyundai option seems to be slightly better in several key aspects.
The 100% electric Hyundai Casper is preparing for its arrival in Europe
As we advanced, we knew that Hyundai would launch two cheap electric cars that would be considered substitutes for the current Hyundai i10 and, at the same time, as rivals for the Dacia Spring. Well, for now, the first to arrive will be the 100% electric Hyundai Casper. A model that, in reality, is already sold in other markets but with a thermal engine. And here, in Europe, it will arrive in a very similar way, but with a completely electric configuration of which this report gives us some key technical information.
The report in question indicates that it will use an electric motor with 87 HP maximum power; That is, it will be positioned above the Dacia Spring, and also with an interesting difference. The entry version of the Spring range, remember, has only 45 HP. But its most powerful configuration is just 65 HP. And if we go to other much higher models, such as the BYD Dolphin, we find that its cheapest version also has 90 HP of maximum power. So, of course, the power of the electric Hyundai Casper, for the European market, makes a lot of sense.
As for the battery, it is expected to have a battery with low-cost LFP cells, great safety, and a long useful life, with an energy storage capacity of 35.2 kWh. It is not a large battery, obviously, but with it, it should be around 250 km of approximate range. If so, it will not only be an alternative to the Dacia Spring but it could also be positioned better than the Romanian model. And above all, it will have a higher quality cabin and more complete equipment included as standard. The Hyundai Casper thermal already has a much superior interior than that offered by the Dacia Spring.
The first thing that will happen will be that the electric Hyundai Casper, following the launch of the KIA Ray, will arrive in South Korea. A short time later, next year 2024, it will be released in Europe and launched in our dealerships. We don’t know exactly when it will happen, but it won’t keep us waiting long. And now, the next key point will be to see the restyling of the Dacia Spring in 2024, which should improve its performance somewhat. According to the most recent leaks, the new version of the Spring is not going to multiply its range, but at least it will serve to leave the 45 HP version behind and stay exclusively with the 65 HP engine.