This Might Be Hyundai’s Most Vital EV But

Hyundai made huge plans for electrical autos. However the world—particularly, america—had different plans in thoughts.

The Korean automaker went huge on a household of EVs with long-distance vary, class-leading fast-charging and distinctive fashion. And it even held up the U.S., its most necessary market, because the place the place these automobiles can be manufactured. However it nonetheless received bruised by tariffs, the tip of the EV tax credit and even an immigration raid in 2025. For sure, the sport has modified only a bit.

However Hyundai’s push continues in 2026. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is considered one of a number of extra affordably priced EVs resulting from hit the worldwide market this yr, alongside the Volkswagen ID. Polothe reborn Chevrolet Boltthe Slate Truck and extra. Because the EV market shifts from rich early adopters to extra mainstream prospects on the lookout for worth, Hyundai actually would not need to miss out.

Picture by: Hyundai

And as Korea’s JoongAng Every day reviews right now, the Ioniq 3 might in some methods be Hyundai’s most necessary EV but. That is as a result of it is focused particularly at Europe, a market that is all of a sudden a precedence as President Donald Trump’s 15% tariffs on Korean-imported automobiles begin to sting its backside line. In different phrases, Hyundai wants the Ioniq 3 to achieve success to help its world EV push and to scale back the stress on the all of a sudden tougher American market. (Whereas Hyundai produces many automobiles within the U.S., it’s nonetheless depending on imports from Korea, together with for automobile elements.)

Extra importantly, the Ioniq 3 will do battle in a spot the place EV gross sales aren’t actually slowing down, in contrast to the U.S. In Europe, will probably be positioned in opposition to the upcoming compact Volkswagen EV, numerous fashions from BYD and different Chinese language manufacturers, electrical newcomers from Renault and Stellantis, and far more. Hyundai can not afford to overlook on the market; the Ioniq 3 has large potential to be a volume-seller EV. (Plus, South Korea now has loads of competitors from Chinese language carmakers, tooso it can not stand down in its dwelling market.)

So what can we anticipate from the Ioniq 3? We do not know what its ultimate kind might be but. However it was previewed by the Idea Three finally fall’s IAA Munich auto present in Germany. That idea was a radical, nearly Veloster-like hatchback with sharp window strains, a translucent duckbill spoiler, a skinny LED gentle bar up entrance, and Hyundai’s signature pixelated lights. Whereas the ultimate design will definitely be toned down, Hyundai has a superb monitor document of holding its idea automobiles near the actual factor.

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Supply: Hyundai

The Ioniq 3 is anticipated to be a detailed counterpart to the Let’s EV3a compact EV that has been a powerful vendor all over the place it is out there. As such, it’s anticipated to make use of a 400-volt model of Hyundai’s E-GMP electrical platform, with front- or all-wheel-drive, and powered by both a 58.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a bigger 81.4-kWh unit. Costs within the €30,000 vary appear possible.

As we monitor this surge of next-generation EVs with higher worth propositions, we’ll positively be watching the Ioniq 3’s progress. However will it come stateside? Contemplating that Kia’s Korean-made EV3 is perpetually MIA within the U.S., that feels unlikely for now. Hopefully, Hyundai might additionally discover a technique to convey it to patrons looking for electrical fashion and worth right here, too.

Contact the writer: patrick.george@insideevs.com