Major viral capsid protein that encapsidates the viral genome. Binds to the 5' end of the genomic RNA (By similarity). Self-assembles to form the capsid. Initially cotranslationally translocated into the ER from where it is retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm. A fraction is also observed on the cell surface (By similarity). In vivo, the glycosylated form is probably much less stable than the non-glycosylated form, which is present in the cytosol and represents the major product accumulated in the cell. May be present initially as a glycosylated protein in the ER, and may become unglycosylated and retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm by the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) system. The non-glycosylated form may therefore be the authentic intermediate in HEV capsid assembly (By similarity). Belongs to the hepevirus capsid protein family.