The Hyundai IONIQ 2 was just spotted out in public for the first time. Hyundai is expected to introduce the smaller, more affordable EV later this year. Here’s our first look at the IONIQ 5’s little brother.
The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is coming in just a few months
According to Xavier Martinet, president and CEO of Hyundai’s European operations, the new EV will debut “in the next few months.”
Hyundai is expected to showcase the electric crossover SUV at the Munich Motor Show in September. It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform that powers Hyundai’s other IONIQ models and the Kia EV lineup.
The new model is expected to arrive as the IONIQ 2, positioned between the Inster EV and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup. Based on the same platform, Hyundai’s new EV will likely share components with the upcoming Kia EV2.
Kia is launching the EV2, its smallest and most affordable EV, next year. The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is expected to arrive shortly after.
Ahead of its official debut, we are getting our first glimpse of Hyundai’s upcoming EV. A camouflaged prototype was spotted by Korean blogger ShortsCar in a parking garage.
Although it’s covered, the crossover SUV-like profile is still visible, similar to the EV2. You can also see Hyundai’s signature EV elements, such as pixelated lighting on the side mirrors and front LED headlights.
Like the EV3, it will likely be offered with several battery options, including a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack. The standard range battery is rated for a WLTP range of 267 miles, while the extended range pack offers a range of up to 372 miles. Both variants are powered by a single front-mounted electric motor with 201 horsepower.
Although it will share components with the EV2, the IONIQ 2, according to Autocar, will be a “step change” in terms of usability, featuring advanced new software and in-car features.
It will likely debut with Hyundai’s new Pleos software and infotainment system. The end-to-end software-defined platform connects everything from the vehicle’s infotainment to the operating system (OS) and then to the Cloud.
Hyundai plans to unlock new features, including self-driving capabilities and real-time data analysis. With an Android-based system, the infotainment system has a “smartphone-like UI,” offering new functions like multi-window viewing. It also comes with an AI voice assistant.
Top comment by Beario
It is not really a surprise that some car companies are not going to even bother with smaller cars here in the US. The current administration has a lot of people well deceived and misinformed that they are better off using large and inefficient haulers and that environmental concerns are overblown. Most concerning is that many people bought into these things and other less than truthful statements. I certainly would like to see a lot more EV options here and more support for EVs.
Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to launch. However, given that the Kia EV3 starts at €35,990 ($42,500), the Hyundai IONIQ 2 is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400).
For those in the US, sorry to disappoint, but the IONIQ 2 is not likely to make the trip overseas. Hyundai is betting on bigger electric SUVs, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.
The Kia EV3 is already the most popular retail EV in the UK. Will Hyundai’s IONIQ 2 see the same demand when it arrives?
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, ShortsCar
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