Spy shots: Hyundai is bringing the Casper EV to Europe this year to take on the Dacia Spring

Towards the end of this year, Hyundai will launch the Casper Electric in Europe. The Casper is a small city car that's already on sale in the company's home market of Korea, but Hyundai is currently developing the Casper Electric, and only this EV version will make the trip to Europe.

The news comes from Hyundai France boss Lionel French Keogh. In his view, the Casper Electric will compete head-on with both the Dacia Spring and the Citroen e-C3, being priced at around $21,000.

Hyundai Casper ICE model in Korea

The Casper, at only 141.7 inches long, is even smaller than the Spring, but its SUV-like looks might make it a more interesting offering, paired with "more versatility" - which we take to mean more range and possibly (hopefully) more power. According to a Korean report from earlier this month, it will have an LFP battery and a range between 124 miles and 186 miles.

And in France it could even benefit from the eco bonus, since it seems like the model destined for Europe will be made in the EU - the Czech Republic, to be specific, which is also where the Kona Electric is built.

Currently, the upcoming Casper Electric is being tested under camouflage in Japan, where it will also launch, but a bit later - in early 2025. Compared to the ICE model sold in Korea, the EV seems to have longer LED headlights with a new design, while the grille has been replaced by a closed panel.

There are minimal changes at the rear as well, concerning the shape of the LEDs inside the round 'containers' to the left and right of the license plate.

The ~$21,000 EV market seems to finally be opening up, and city cars like the Casper Electric provide much needed competition in the space, which could take EV adoption in Europe to the next level.

Via 1 (in French) | Via 2 (in Korean) | Via 3 (in Spanish)