This Could Be Hyundai

Hyundai made big plans for electric vehicles. But the world—specifically, the United States—had other plans in mind.

The Korean automaker went big on a family of EVs with long-distance range, class-leading fast-charging and exceptional style. And it even held up the U.S., its most important market, as the place where these cars would be manufactured. But it still got bruised by tariffs, the end of the EV tax credits and even an immigration raid in 2025. Needless to say, the game has changed just a bit.

But Hyundai’s push continues in 2026. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is one of several more affordably priced EVs due to hit the global market this year, alongside the Volkswagen ID. Polo, the reborn Chevrolet Bolt, the Slate Truck and more. As the EV market shifts from wealthy early adopters to more mainstream customers looking for value, Hyundai certainly doesn’t want to miss out. 

Hyundai Three Concept

Photo by: Hyundai

And as Korea’s JoongAng Daily reports today, the Ioniq 3 could in some ways be Hyundai’s most important EV yet. That’s because it’s targeted specifically at Europe, a market that’s suddenly a priority as President Donald Trump’s 15% tariffs on Korean-imported cars start to sting its bottom line. In other words, Hyundai needs the Ioniq 3 to be successful to aid its global EV push and to reduce the pressure on the suddenly more difficult American market. (While Hyundai produces many cars in the U.S., it is still dependent on imports from Korea, including for car parts.) 

More importantly, the Ioniq 3 will do battle in a place where EV sales aren’t really slowing down, unlike the U.S. In Europe, it will be positioned against the upcoming compact Volkswagen EV, various models from BYD and other Chinese brands, electric newcomers from Renault and Stellantis, and much more. Hyundai cannot afford to miss out there; the Ioniq 3 has tremendous potential to be a volume-seller EV. (Plus, South Korea now has plenty of competition from Chinese carmakers, too, so it cannot stand down in its home market.) 

So what can we expect from the Ioniq 3? We don’t know what its final form will be yet. But it was previewed by the Concept Three at last fall’s IAA Munich auto show in Germany. That concept was a radical, almost Veloster-like hatchback with sharp window lines, a translucent duckbill spoiler, a thin LED light bar up front, and Hyundai’s signature pixelated 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. 

The Ioniq 3 is expected to be a close counterpart to the Kia EV3, a compact EV that has been a strong seller everywhere it’s available. As such, it is expected to use a 400-volt version of Hyundai’s E-GMP electric platform, with front- or all-wheel-drive, and powered by either a 58.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a larger 81.4-kWh unit. Prices in the €30,000 range seem likely. 

As we track this surge of next-generation EVs with better value propositions, we’ll definitely be watching the Ioniq 3’s progress. But will it come stateside? Considering that Kia’s Korean-made EV3 is perpetually MIA in the U.S., that feels unlikely for now. With any luck, Hyundai could also find a way to bring it to buyers seeking electric style and value here, too. 

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com

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