Is Hyundai lastly about to launch the smaller IONIQ 3 EV we’ve been ready for? A mysterious new Hyundai ‘OE’ automobile, which seems to be the IONIQ 5’s little sibling, has surfaced once more. Right here’s what we all know concerning the new EV.
When will Hyundai launch the IONIQ 3?
Hyundai has been on a roll, launching new electrical fashions in key world markets, together with the US, Europe, China, and others.
After a brand new Hyundai EV mannequin badged with the codename “OE” surfaced once more, native experiences counsel it could possibly be the IONIQ 3. Hyundai has given earlier electrical fashions, such because the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, codenames, together with “CE” and “NE.”
The latest mannequin to earn a codename was the three-row IONIQ 9 SUV, unveiled on the LA Auto Present final month. Hyundai’s bigger electrical SUV mannequin code was “ME” earlier than its official debut.
After extra pictures of the brand new “OE” mannequin surfaced on-line, Hyundai’s Chinese language three way partnership, Beijing Hyundai, appeared to substantiate the brand new EV via an area regulation portal.
The screenshots from Autospy reveal the “OE1C” codename once more, confirming that it will likely be an electrical SUV. Hyundai’s new EV is about to launch in 2026. One other “EA1C” mannequin can also be listed.
In keeping with TheKoreanCarBlog, native rumors counsel the brand new EV might lastly be the IONIQ 3 and even 4. The mysterious new mannequin is anticipated to experience on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which underpins its present IONIQ 5, 6, 9, and Kia’s electrical automobile lineup.
Though little is thought about it, the IONIQ 3 shall be barely smaller than the favored IONIQ 5. It is going to doubtless be nearer to Kia’s new EV3.
The current spy photographs present IONIQ-like design components, together with the wheels, door handles, and a number of other inside options.
Hyundai’s new EV is anticipated to be accessible in single and dual-motor powertrains with 62 or 84-kWh battery pack choices. For comparability, the Kia EV3 presents as much as 605 km (375 mi) WLTP vary with the bigger (81.4 kWh) battery. The smaller (58.3 kWh) battery supplies round 436 km (271 mi) vary on the WLTP cycle.
In Europe, Kia’s smaller EV3 begins at round 36,000 euros ($38,300). The low-cost EV will be purchased in Korea for underneath $30,000 with incentives.
It is going to be fascinating to see how the IONIQ 3 compares to Hyundai’s new Casper Electrical. The Casper Electrical, generally known as the Inster EV in Europe, begins at simply round $20,000 (27.4 million gained) in Korea.
Hyundai’s low-cost EV presents as much as 315 km (195 miles) vary in Korea and 355 km (221 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Not like the IONIQ sequence, the Casper Electrical relies on Hyundai’s smaller H2 platform.
The brand new Hyundai electrical SUV will first launch in China in early 2026. For these within the US, Europe, and different abroad markets, we must wait to search out out if it should launch in abroad markets. Keep tuned for extra.
Supply: TheKoreanCarBlog, Autospy
