Hyundai’s Inster wins 2025 World Electric Vehicle Award
At 2025 New York Auto Show
Hyundai Motor Company has claimed top honours at the 2025 World Car Awards, with its all-electric Inster named the 2025 World Electric Vehicle. The announcement was made during the prestigious awards ceremony at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), reinforcing Hyundai’s growing dominance in electric vehicles (EVs).
The recognition marks the fourth consecutive year that a Hyundai model has triumphed in one or more categories at the World Car Awards. This consistent success highlights the South Korean automaker’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused design in a competitive global automotive landscape.
In accepting the award, Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz said the accolade reflects the brand’s strategic vision and the dedication of its teams worldwide. “The Hyundai Inster has been a winner with customers since we introduced it. It is gratifying that the prestigious World Car Awards jury experts feel the same way,” said Muñoz.
“The combination of compelling design, range, enjoyable driving characteristics, intuitive infotainment, and technology that customers appreciate is emblematic of Hyundai’s approach of delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
Key milestone
The Inster’s triumph in the EV category is an explicit endorsement of Hyundai’s efforts to push the boundaries of electric mobility, while keeping vehicles accessible and appealing to a global audience.
The award jury, comprised of 100 distinguished automotive journalists from 29 countries, acknowledged the Inster’s blend of affordability, style and performance—qualities that increasingly define the next generation of urban electric vehicles.
The 2025 World Electric Vehicle award specifically recognises Hyundai’s successful execution of an affordable yet forward-looking EV. The Inster, a subcompact electric crossover, has been praised for its efficient packaging, advanced features, and real-world usability—qualities that cater to the growing demand for smaller EVs in urban environments.
The Inster stands out with its distinctive and compact exterior design, integrating modern styling cues with practicality. It has been engineered to meet the mobility needs of city drivers while offering sufficient range and versatility for longer commutes.
Hyundai’s long-range version of the Inster, equipped with a 49-kWh battery, provides a driving range of up to 370 kilometres on a single charge, according to WLTP estimates. This makes it one of its class’s most efficient and capable vehicles.
Rapid charging
Rapid charging is another feature that places the Inster ahead of competitors. The EV supports fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, minimising downtime and making it ideal for busy urban lifestyles. Its compact size and spacious, tech-savvy interior further enhance its appeal among city dwellers seeking electric alternatives that do not compromise comfort or connectivity.
Hyundai has also embedded intuitive technology throughout the Inster’s cabin, including a digital instrument cluster, a high-resolution infotainment system and a suite of driver assistance features. These advancements contribute to a refined driving experience, underscoring the brand’s focus on human-centric design.
In addition to its performance and innovation, the Inster is seen as a symbol of Hyundai’s broader commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The automaker has outlined ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup and reduce its carbon footprint across all stages of production. The World Electric Vehicle award strongly validates those efforts, particularly as global consumers and governments demand cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.
Hyundai’s recent accolades from the World Car Awards further reinforce its status as a key player in the global EV market. In recent years, models such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 have also secured top honours at the same awards, setting a high benchmark for the brand. The Inster’s success ensures that Hyundai remains firmly at the forefront of electric vehicle development, offering products that blend innovation, quality and affordability.
This latest recognition also arrives at a crucial time for the automotive industry. As automakers race to meet tightening emissions standards and shifting consumer expectations, vehicles like the Hyundai Inster offer a blueprint for how EVs can be aspirational and accessible. The World Car Awards jury’s recognition of this approach underscores the growing importance of affordable EVs in shaping the future of mobility.
Influential honours
The World Car Awards are among the most influential honours in the automotive industry. Winners are selected after a rigorous evaluation process. Vehicles are assessed on various criteria, including innovation, design, safety, environmental impact, and market relevance.
As the Hyundai Inster prepares to launch in more global markets, its World Electric Vehicle win is anticipated to enhance its profile and influence buying decisions in a competitive EV marketplace.
With growing interest from consumers in the Middle East, particularly in urban hubs across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the Inster could play a key role in accelerating electric vehicle adoption in the region.
Hyundai’s continued success at the World Car Awards highlights the company’s engineering and design prowess, as well as its ability to anticipate market trends and consumer needs. As more cities embrace green mobility and as infrastructure for electric vehicles expands, the Inster’s win positions Hyundai as a trusted brand for the future of sustainable transportation.
Image: The Hyundai Inster is set to roll out in global markets. Credit Hyundai Motor Company
