Skip to main content

Hyundai launching all-electric brand, with three models on the way

Hyundai is launching a new brand dedicated to electric cars. As with the automaker’s Genesis luxury brand, the name comes from an existing model — the Ioniq hatchback. What was once a single model will now be an entire brand, with three electric cars scheduled to launch over the next four years.

Two of the three Ioniq models will be based on previous Hyundai concept cars. The first, the Ioniq 5, is due in 2021 and will be based on the Hyundai 45 concept. Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 45 is a retro-looking hatchback inspired by the Hyundai Pony — the first car developed in-house by the automaker. The concept debuted on the 45th anniversary of the Pony’s unveiling, hence the name.

The Ioniq 5 will be followed in 2022 by the Ioniq 6, a sedan based on the Hyundai Prophecy concept, which debuted earlier this year. In stark contrast to the 45, the Prophecy has sleek, futuristic styling. That styling could transition to production, although it could get watered down, as is often the case with concept cars that get the green light for production. Two features unlikely for production are the Prophecy’s joystick controls and autonomous-driving system.

In 2024, Hyundai will add the Ioniq 7 to the lineup. This model isn’t based on an existing concept car, and Hyundai hasn’t offered much detail beyond confirming that it will be a “large SUV.” The Ioniq 7 can be glimpsed in a teaser image alongside the Hyundai 45/Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Prophecy/Ioniq 6, but the image doesn’t show much detail.

All three Ioniq models will be based on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which will likely underpin EVs from Hyundai’s Genesis and Kia brands as well. Note that Hyundai also plans to use startup Canoo’s skateboard platform for at least one future electric car as well.

It’s unclear where this leaves the current Hyundai Ioniq hatchback, which is available with all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Hyundai plans to sell 1 million battery-electric vehicles by 2025, so it’s possible the Ioniq will remain in the mix, perhaps with a different name to avoid confusion with the new brand. In addition to battery-powered vehicles, Hyundai plans to continue with hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles like its Nexo SUV.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Tesla launches more affordable Model S and Model X, but there’s a catch
A 2021 Tesla Model S.

Tesla has launched more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the U.S. and Canada, though they come with shorter driving ranges. Deliveries of the new vehicles will begin next month.

The new Model S "standard range" vehicles cost $78,490 and offer a range of up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), which is considerably shorter than the pricier regular dual-motor and tri-motor Plaid versions that feature a range of 405 miles and 396 miles, respectively, Reuters reported.

Read more
Can EVs be clean on a dirty electric grid?
Electrical power lines cast against a blue sky.

While the world moves towards electrifying as many cars as possible, it's only a part of solving the climate equation. Those electric vehicles still need to get charged, and if that power is generated by the likes of coal and, to a lesser extent, methane, it undercuts the cuts in emissions we're aiming for.

Some EV critics claim that a dirty electrical grid completely negates any good an electric vehicle can do. But is that true? Let's take a closer look at how a dirty grid affects the emissions of an electric vehicle.

Read more
These new NASA EVs will drive astronauts part way to the moon (sort of)
NASA's new crew transportation electric vehicles.

Three specially designed, fully electric, environmentally friendly crew transportation vehicles for Artemis missions arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week. The zero-emission vehicles, which will carry astronauts to Launch Complex 39B for Artemis missions, were delivered by Canoo Technologies of Torrance, California. NASA/Isaac Watson

NASA has shown off a trio of new all-electric vehicles that will shuttle the next generation of lunar astronauts to the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center.

Read more