Hyundai has big plans for electric cars. But the world – and the United States in particular – had other plans in mind.
The Korean automaker has achieved great success in producing a family of electric cars with long range, class-leading fast charging and exceptional style. Rather, it considered the United States, the most important market for it, as the place where these cars would be manufactured. But it still suffers from tariffs, the end of tax breaks for electric vehicles, and even an immigration raid in 2025. Needless to say, the game has changed a bit.
But Hyundai’s push continues into 2026. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is one of several affordable electric cars set to hit the global market this year, along with Volkswagen ID. Poloborn again Chevrolet Boltthe Slate truck And more. With the EV market shifting from affluent early adopters to more mainstream customers looking for value, Hyundai certainly doesn’t want to miss out.
Photo by: Hyundai
As in Korea JoongAng Daily Reports today suggest that the Ioniq 3 could in some ways be Hyundai’s most significant electric vehicle yet. That’s because it’s specifically targeting Europe, a market that has suddenly become a priority as President Donald Trump’s 15% tariffs on Korean imported cars begin to impact its bottom line. In other words, Hyundai needs the Ioniq 3 to be successful to help its global EV push and reduce pressure on a US market that has suddenly become more difficult. (While Hyundai produces many cars in the United States, it still relies on imports from Korea, including auto parts.)
More importantly, the Ioniq 3 will do battle in a place where EV sales aren’t really slowing down, unlike the US. In Europe, it will be pitted against the upcoming Volkswagen EV compact car, and various models of the BYD And other Chinese brands, electric car newcomers from Renault and Stellantis, and much more. Hyundai can’t afford to miss the opportunity there; The Ioniq 3 has huge potential to be a big-selling electric car. (Plus, South Korea now has a lot of competition Also from Chinese automakers,So it can’t stand in its local market.)
So what can we expect from the Ioniq 3? We do not know what its final form will be yet. But it was previewed by Concept Three at the IAA Munich Motor Show last fall in Germany. The concept was a radical, almost Veloster-like hatchback with sharp window lines, a transparent duckbill spoiler, a thin LED light bar up front, and Hyundai’s signature dotted lights. While the final design will certainly be toned down, Hyundai has a good track record of keeping its concept cars close to the real thing.
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Source: Hyundai
Ioniq 3 is expected to be a close counterpart to Let EV3a small electric car that achieved strong sales everywhere it was available. As such, it is expected to use a 400V version of Hyundai’s E-GMP electric platform, with front or all-wheel drive, and be powered by either a 58.3 kWh battery pack and a larger 81.4 kWh unit. Prices in the €30,000 range seem likely.
As we track this surge in the next generation of better-value electric vehicles, we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the progress of the Ioniq 3. But will it come to the US? Considering that the Korean-made Kia EV3 is always MIA in the US, this seems unlikely at the moment. And with any luck, Hyundai could also find a way to offer buyers looking for an electric model and value here as well.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
