Hyundai is working on a smaller Ioniq EV which will sit below the popular Ioniq 5 and likely take the Ioniq 3 nameplate.
The Ioniq 3 will doubtless rival its Kia EV3 sibling that is just hitting global markets. It launches here next year. A smaller Ioniq 2 is evidently in the wings as well.
Simon Loasby, head of Hyundai’s global design centre, commented on the value of smaller EVs for specific markets. “As long as we can satisfy our board that this is worth doing, nothing’s off the table with Hyundai.” He added that the speed they can produce such vehicles “is just nuts”.
The Ioniq 3 is likely to be a sleeker looking alternative to the Kia EV3. It will sit between the Ioniq 5 hatchback and the Inster city EV. Styling will be unique to the vehicle, rather than being a condensed version of the Ioniq 5. “It’s difficult to do”, said Loasby. “That’s why we use all our studios around the world – everybody’s thinking about solutions.”
Expect a sleeker, smoother shape but still a crossover body like that of the EV3. Pixel-style lights are a given, likely with a full-width lightbar.
Speaking about Hyundai’s current design direction, Loasby said: “There’s not this narrow corridor of what your brand looks like. It makes it really exciting.”
However, he added that design cannot trump practicality.
To price the Ioniq 3 sensibly against rivals like Avenger and Puma Gen-E, the small Hyundai uses a 400V electrical architecture. Likely battery sizes will mimic EV3’s, at 58kWh and 81kWh, for up to 640km of range. A 10-80 per cent recharge should take roughly 30min.
It will use a bespoke EV platform, be around 4.3m long, and offer decent space for four, or five at a pinch.
The cabin will have a twin-screen layout and a separate panel for the climate controls. Expect a flat floor, a walk-through cabin and possibly a sliding centre console.
Ioniq 3 is expected to launch next year, with a smaller Ioniq 2 a year later.
Pricing to likely be close to that of Kia EV3.
