Hyundai Registers "Insteroid" Trademark – A New EV on the Horizon?

Hyundai has filed a trademark for "Insteroid" in the EU, hinting at a new electric vehicle. Could it be a performance version of the Inster or something entirely new?

Hyundai is preparing to expand its lineup of electric vehicles, and a newly registered trademark suggests an upcoming addition. The recent filing for the "Insteroid" name with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) hints that the company may be working on a new EV—possibly a more powerful version of the Hyundai Inster, the compact city electric car launched in Europe last year.

According to EUIPO records, Hyundai registered the Insteroid trademark on November 7, 2025. The filing covers multiple categories of vehicles, including cars, sports cars, vans, trucks, buses, electric vehicles, and SUVs. However, Hyundai has not yet disclosed any official details regarding what the Insteroid will be.

In 2024, Hyundai introduced the Inster EV, the European version of the Casper Electric. This compact electric vehicle is available with 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery options, offering a WLTP driving range of up to 327 km (203 miles) and 370 km (230 miles), respectively. The starting price is approximately €24,000 ($26,000).

Hyundai Inster dimensions:

• Length: 3,825 mm (150.6″)
• Width: 1,610 mm (63.4″)
• Height: 1,575 mm (62″)
• Wheelbase: 2,580 mm (101.5″)

The Insteroid name suggests that Hyundai might be planning a larger and more powerful version of the Inster, potentially with a bigger battery and enhanced performance.

There are two possibilities for the Insteroid:

• An evolution of the Inster concept – possibly a larger model with extended capabilities.
• A high-performance variant – Hyundai has already been testing the RN24, which could serve as the foundation for a performance-oriented "Inster N".

Earlier in 2025, Hyundai also introduced the Inster EV Cross, an adventure-ready variant featuring a higher ground clearance, protective cladding, and a starting price of £28,745 ($35,000). However, the Insteroid is likely heading in a different direction.

If the Insteroid enters the compact EV segment, it will have to compete with models like the Renault 5, MINI Cooper Electric, Fiat 500e, Citroën ë-C3, and MG4. Hyundai could stand out with its battery technology, design, or performance upgrades.

For now, Hyundai remains silent about the Insteroid, but the trademark filing strongly suggests that an official announcement could be just around the corner.

Source: electrek.co