Hyundai has a new baby EV in the works: Is this our first look at the IONIQ 1? [Images]

A new Hyundai prototype was caught testing in public, believed to be the IONIQ 1, Hyundai’s smallest and most affordable EV yet.

Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 1 as an entry-level EV?

Hyundai has yet to launch the IONIQ 3, its first compact EV under the IONIQ lineup, but the Korean automaker is already testing an even smaller entry-level model.

Chinese media outlet Autohome released new spy photos (courtesy of Team-BHP.com) of what is “very likely” the prototype of the Hyundai IONIQ 1.

Based on Hyundai’s naming system used for previous electric vehicles, the vehicle is expected to be the smallest IONIQ model yet.

Previous test EVs, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9, were labelled “ME” and “NE,” with the “E” at the end indicating they are based on the E-GMP platform. The new prototype, believed to be the IONIQ 1, was labelled with an “HE1” test vehicle tag.

While little is known about it, you can clearly see an upright, boxy SUV-like design, unlike the IONIQ 3. The IONIQ 3 features Hyundai’s new Aero Hatch design with a low-riding, fastback silhouette.

Meanwhile, a few design elements appear to be borrowed from the IONIQ 3 (pictured below as the Concept Three), such as the split headlights and ducktail spoiler.

Since the test vehicle was spotted on Indian roads, it is expected to be produced at a Hyundai facility in India. The IONIQ 3 is 4,287 mm long, so the IONIQ 1 could be even smaller, but it’s hard to determine from the images alone.

While it may be made in India, the report suggests that Hyundai could still sell it in Europe with prices starting under 20,000 euros ($23,700).

The IONIQ 3 will make its global debut this April, with sales set to follow shortly after. Hyundai will begin production of the IONIQ 3 at its manufacturing plant in Turkey in mid-2026.

Prices have yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to start at around 28,000 euros ($31,200), between the Inster EV and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s European lineup.

Source: Autohome, Team-BHP.com