Electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly taking over the automotive market, and garages in Vietnam must adapt to this trend. The benefits of EVs, such as fewer parts to maintain, no oil changes, and regenerative braking that reduces wear, are significant advantages. But are electric cars truly convenient for both users and garages? Hyundai has just revealed a unique small electric vehicle, suspected to be a racing version of the Inster SUV, featuring a game-like design and the potential to use the Ioniq 5 N engine. This could be an exciting answer for garages looking to embrace the future.
Electric cars: opportunities and challenges for garages
Electric vehicles bring simplicity to maintenance: no internal combustion engines, fewer wear-and-tear components, which help garages save time on basic tasks. However, the challenges are not insignificant. Garages need to invest in modern diagnostic equipment, train technicians on high-voltage systems, and prepare to handle lithium-ion batteries safely. The initial costs are high, but with the growing popularity of EVs in Vietnam – from VinFast to Hyundai – this is a necessary step to stay competitive.
Hyundai Inster “racing version”: revolutionary design
On March 25, 2025, Hyundai teased the INSTEROID model on X, drawing attention with its eye-catching design. Based on the electric Inster SUV (launched in 2024, priced around $25,000 in Europe), the INSTEROID has a lower body, a stripped-down cabin to optimize aerodynamics, and a “pixelated” exterior that reflects the Ioniq series’ style. It looks more like a racing car from a video game than a conventional SUV. The interior has not been revealed yet, but it is likely to be minimalist and tech-heavy, in line with the performance car style.
This model is not just a concept; it could mark Hyundai’s entry into the high-performance EV segment, competing with models like the MG4 XPower or Tesla Model 3 Performance. For garages, this represents an opportunity to engage with a vehicle that is both practical and sporty, appealing to new customers.
Ioniq 5 N engine: impressive power
Rumors suggest that the INSTEROID uses the engine from the Ioniq 5 N – an EV with 641 horsepower, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds – which makes it even more exciting. If true, this will be a compact “beast,” combining the practicality of the Inster with top-notch performance. Features like engine sound simulation and “virtual gear shifts” from the Ioniq 5 N may also appear, satisfying speed enthusiasts.
For garages, the INSTEROID will require expertise in maintaining the electrical systems, control software, and optimizing performance. If mass-produced, it could open up a new market: from speed enthusiasts to amateur racing teams, generating significant revenue.
Are electric cars convenient?
The INSTEROID shows that electric cars can be not only convenient but also fun. For users, it promises high performance in a compact package. For garages, it’s an opportunity to upgrade services, from basic maintenance to advanced tuning. Although still a concept, the INSTEROID proves that EVs can bring new excitement to both drivers and mechanics. Vietnamese garages should be prepared for its potential release, as it could bring high-performance electric cars closer to the domestic market.
