Hyundai recently announced their plans to introduce a new electric vehicle, the Ioniq 9, to the US market. This three-row SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai’s factory in Georgia, showcasing the company’s dedication to expanding their presence in the plug-in market. While other automakers may be hesitant to invest more in EVs due to slowing demand, Hyundai is taking a different approach by targeting popular vehicle segments with new electric offerings.
The Ioniq 9 will be based on the Concept Seven, a concept that was unveiled in 2021. This new electric SUV will be built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is also used for other electric models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, and Genesis GV60. Production of the Ioniq 9 will take place at Hyundai’s factory in Georgia, where they are also set to start producing the Ioniq 5. By manufacturing EVs in the US, Hyundai will qualify for the federal EV tax credit of $7,500.
Hyundai’s Strategy for the North American Market
During an investor day conference, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jae Hoon Chang mentioned that a production version of the Ioniq 9 will be showcased at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. In addition to expanding their electric vehicle lineup, Hyundai also plans to increase their share of hybrid vehicles. This move reflects the current trend among US consumers who are more inclined to purchase hybrids over full EVs. Hyundai aims to address the shortage of hybrids in the North American market by introducing more models.
The Concept Seven boasted impressive features, including the ability to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 20 minutes and a range of over 300 miles. However, Hyundai executives are considering developing Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) to offer even more range. Models like the BMW i3 and Chevy Volt utilize small gas engines to recharge the battery pack without operating the motors. Hyundai is looking into producing EREVs with a range exceeding 560 miles when fully charged.
The Future of Hyundai’s Electric Vehicle Lineup
The Ioniq 9 represents Hyundai’s ambitious leap into the electric SUV market with a concept that rivals the size of vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade. With a lengthy wheelbase and a distinctive grille design, the Ioniq 9 is set to make a statement in the growing segment of electric SUVs. As Hyundai continues to introduce new electric and hybrid models, they are positioning themselves as a key player in the evolving landscape of sustainable transportation.
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