Is Hyundai lastly about to launch the smaller IONIQ 3 EV we’ve been ready for? A mysterious new Hyundai ‘OE’ car, which seems to be the IONIQ 5’s little sibling, has surfaced once more. Right here’s what we all know in regards to the new EV.
When will Hyundai launch the IONIQ 3?
Hyundai has been on a roll, launching new electrical fashions in key international 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 reviews recommend it might 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 newest 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 photographs 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 by an area regulation portal.
The screenshots from Autospy reveal the “OE1C” codename once more, confirming that will probably 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 recommend the brand new EV might lastly be the IONIQ 3 and even 4. The mysterious new mannequin is predicted to journey on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which underpins its present IONIQ 5, 6, 9, and Kia’s electrical automotive lineup.
Though little is understood about it, the IONIQ 3 might be barely smaller than the favored IONIQ 5. It’ll seemingly be nearer to Kia’s new EV3.
The current spy photographs present IONIQ-like design parts, together with the wheels, door handles, and several other inside options.
Hyundai’s new EV is predicted to be out there in single and dual-motor powertrains with 62 or 84-kWh battery pack choices. For comparability, the Kia EV3 provides as much as 605 km (375 mi) WLTP vary with the bigger (81.4 kWh) battery. The smaller (58.3 kWh) battery offers 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 may be purchased in Korea for beneath $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, often called the Inster EV in Europe, begins at simply round $20,000 (27.4 million received) in Korea.
Hyundai’s low-cost EV provides as much as 315 km (195 miles) vary in Korea and 355 km (221 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Not like the IONIQ collection, 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 should wait to seek out out if it’ll launch in abroad markets. Keep tuned for extra.
Supply: TheKoreanCarBlog, Autospy
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