BUSAN, Jun. 26 (Korea Bizwire) –Hyundai Motor Company has lifted the veil on its Casper Electric vehicle at the Busan Mobility Show, presenting what it calls a new standard for electrification and reaffirming its commitment to a hydrogen-based ecosystem.
The South Korean automaker announced on June 27 that it would participate in the show, running from June 28 to July 7, under the theme “Beyond EVeryday,” offering visitors hands-on experiences with its electric and hydrogen-related technologies. Hyundai has secured the largest exhibition space among participating brands, spanning 2,580 square meters.
The star of Hyundai’s showcase is the world premiere of the Casper Electric, a compact electric vehicle optimized for urban driving. Equipped with a 49kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, the Casper Electric boasts a range of 315 kilometers on a single charge.
It can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes and features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing it to supply 220V power externally.
Visually, the Casper Electric builds on its predecessor’s design, incorporating pixel graphics — a signature element of Hyundai’s electrified models — in its turn signal lamps.
The front grille features a circuit board-style design, complemented by headlamps, a charging port, and a front camera. Pixel-inspired designs are also applied to the side wheels and rear lamps, creating a cohesive look.
Compared to the original Casper, the electric version is 230mm longer and 15mm wider, with a 180mm increase in wheelbase, resulting in more legroom for rear passengers. The trunk space has also expanded by 47 liters to 280 liters.
Inside, the Casper Electric sports a 10.25-inch LCD cluster and navigation system, along with an electronic shift column. The steering wheel center features four pixel lights indicating charging status and voice recognition activation.
Jeong Yoo-seok, Vice President of Hyundai’s Domestic Business Division, stated, “The world-first Casper Electric will lead the popularization of electric vehicles.”
Hyundai also introduced its comprehensive hydrogen business solution, HTWO Grid, under its hydrogen value chain business brand HTWO. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen-based society by offering tailored solutions for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization.
The automaker is showcasing its Space Mobility and Space Pavilion concepts, first revealed at CES 2024, for the first time in South Korea.
Additionally, Hyundai has created interactive experiences, including the Xcient Arcade, which transforms a hydrogen truck into a children’s playground, and games demonstrating hydrogen electricity principles both online and offline.
Throughout the show, Hyundai is offering various experiences, including an indoor test drive program for the Casper Electric — a first in South Korea — allowing customers to drive up to 40 km/h on a 70-meter indoor track.
The company is also hosting special exhibitions at Busan Station Square and providing test drives of the Ioniq 5 on Gwangan Bridge.
For potential electric vehicle buyers, Hyundai has set up an EV Lab and EV Care Program at its exhibition hall, offering consultations on charging, costs, and services.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)