Electric cars have come a long way from being just quiet, efficient commuters. Today, some of them are pushing deep into enthusiast territory, proving that performance doesn’t have to rely on combustion. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a prime example, showing that an EV can be engaging, fun to drive, and tailored to those who love driving for its own sake.

Still, there’s a certain kind of mechanical involvement, like shifting your own gears, that even the best EVs can’t fully replicate. That point seems to be completely lost on Hyundai’s European technical chief, Tyrone Johnson.

Read: We Drove Hyundai’s Last i20 N And It’s The Hot Hatch You’ll Wish You Bought

In a recent interview, Johnson said that for those wanting to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV, and he knows a thing or two about performance cars. Before joining Hyundai in 2018, he had worked at Ford for 33 years and, at one stage, was the chief engineer for Ford’s RS cars, including the Focus RS. That happened to be one of the finest hot hatches of the last decade, but the industry has undergone significant changes since then.

Manual Holdouts Still Have a Case

“Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments,” Johnson told Car Magazine. After living with the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris, complete with a six-speed manual and a traditional handbrake, we’d beg to differ. Hyundai also continues to sell the i20 N and i30 N/Elantra N with stick shifts, so clearly, some people still want a manual.

Johnson did concede that certain sensory cues, like vibrations and engine noise, help drivers stay in tune with the car.

“I can understand that some people want to have the sounds, vibrations, things like that,” he acknowledged. “Those sensory inputs help the human brain understand what’s going on in a car.” It’s for these reasons that Hyundai added things like a faux combustion soundtrack to the Ioniq 5 N, as well as an artificial transmission.

As for the nostalgia or more traditional performance cars? Johnson doesn’t understand it.

“I’m a performance guy,” he said. “I did the first Mustang Shelby [the 1992 SVT Mustang]. I don’t understand the idea that performance cars are dying. If you want to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV. I don’t understand the nostalgia.”

He even went so far as to say that most current performance cars are “a disappointment” compared to the Ioniq 5 N.

It’s easy to understand where Johnson is coming from. After all, software is allowing car manufacturers to add features that improve the driving experience, and this will be on full display with the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. But, if given the choice between driving an Ioniq 5 N or a six-speed Elantra N up a mountain road, we’d probably still opt for the Elantra.

In just a few years, Hyundai has built an impressive lineup of electric vehicles that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, what many long-established automakers have brought to market. With options ranging from the retro-styled Ioniq 5 to the spacious new seven-seat Ioniq 9 and the compact Niro EV, Hyundai is covering a lot of ground. And the brand isn’t slowing down, as another electric model is on the way.

Read: New Hyundai Inster Is A Tiny Electric Crossover For The Masses

This upcoming addition will slot in above Hyundai’s Inster, the battery-powered version of the compact Casper. While the Inster’s charm lies in its tiny footprint, it may be a bit too small for some buyers. That’s where this new model fits in.

A new report points to a debut in concept form at the Munich Motor Show this September. The vehicle is expected to land between the Inster and the Kona in terms of size, aligning closely with the Bayon, which is currently offered in European markets.

Few details are known about the new model at this stage. However, Auto News speculates that it could be dubbed the Ioniq 2 if it is to use the automaker’s well-established E-GMP platform. Styling remains a mystery, but regardless of what the concept looks like, recent Hyundai history suggests that the eventual production model should resemble it closely.

New Tesla-Like Infotainment System

One of the more significant updates is expected inside the cabin. This SUV is likely to be the first Hyundai equipped with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Unveiled earlier this year, Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive and features a large, freestanding touchscreen mounted at the center of the dashboard. It’s a layout that recalls Tesla’s approach and echoes what’s becoming common in many Chinese EVs.

This new setup could prove controversial. Most current Hyundais feature sleek digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems, sometimes housed within a single curved display. While tablet-like displays often have great functionality, they’re not particularly appealing to the eye.

Shared Roots with Kia

0Underneath, the new model is expected to share much of its architecture with the forthcoming Kia EV2. That vehicle will ride on a shortened version of the E-GMP platform and be offered with a single electric motor. If Hyundai follows a similar path, it could help keep costs manageable while still delivering competitive performance in the growing sub-compact and compact EV segments.

Hyundai’s performance arm is evolving fast, and Europe is about to see a major shift. The N division’s electric ambitions are picking up speed with a growing lineup of EV-only models, starting with the Ioniq 5 N that’ll soon be joined by the Ioniq 6 N. That doesn’t mean the combustion engine is getting kicked to the curb just yet, though, as Hyundai’s go-fast sub-brand isn’t ready to shut the door on other powertrain options.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

While the Elantra N continues to wave the ICE flag in North America, Europe has taken a stricter turn. Emissions regulations have already pushed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches off the map, sparking speculation that Hyundai N would go fully electric, much like Kia appears to be doing with its GT-badged performance cars.

EVs Are Just One Part of the Plan

Speaking to Autocar, Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai N and head of the Global Marketing Strategy Team, pushed back on the assumption that N is going EV-exclusive. “The problem that we have is that there is a perception from the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focusing on the EV world, which is not true,” Park said. “Even though we are going to introduce the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed, we are not limiting ourselves to EVs.”

Park added that the division is open to exploring a wide range of ideas: “We’re going forward with EVs, of course, as well as all the other proposals we could do. Because for N, imagination and courage are the words we need to remember.”

Room for Hybrids and More

The performance division’s boss, a self-declared fan of combustion-powered sports cars, didn’t go into detail about what kinds of powertrains future Hyundai N models might use. Still, it’s reasonable to think the brand could align with its parent company’s multi-pathway strategy.

More: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

The Hyundai Group has already confirmed it’s developing a variety of models with hybrid and EREV (extended range electric vehicle) systems. These are meant to complement its growing battery-electric lineup while reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.

Not every one of those platforms will be a fit for Hyundai N’s performance focus, but the direction is clear. A similar approach is also in the works at Genesis, where the newly launched Magma sub-brand is expected to blend performance with a mix of powertrain technologies.

What’s Coming Next

The Hyundai i30 N, which launched in 2017, kicked off the sub-brand’s journey with a proper hot hatch that set the tone for future N models. Since then, the performance treatment has been applied to the i20, Kona, Veloster, Elantra, and more recently, the Ioniq 5.

Now, the Ioniq 6 N is getting ready for its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will serve as a showcase for what the next all-electric N car will look and feel like.

Another model that could join the lineup in the coming years is a production version of the Vision N 74 Concept, positioned as a low-volume halo car. The concept featured a hydrogen-electric hybrid setup delivering 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), though it’s still unclear whether a similar powertrain would make it into a road-going version.

While EVs have generally been gaining popularity across the United States over the past couple of years, April wasn’t such a good month for them. New EV registrations fell 4.4 percent, marking the first dip after 14 consecutive months of growth. The slide was led by notable declines from several automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

According to data from S&P Global Mobility, which excludes gasoline-electric hybrid models, a total of 97,833 new EVs were registered in the US in April. This means that EVs accounted for 6.6 percent of total registrations, falling from the 7.4 percent share they had in April 2024. A number of factors could be at play here.

At the same time, overall light vehicle sales, regardless of powertrain, grew by 7.2 percent in April to approximately 1.5 million units.

Speaking to Autonews, S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, said that beyond the usual range anxiety and charging concerns, “consumers are seeing media reports that government support for EVs is on the chopping block and automaker investments in the technology are slowing, undermining confidence in a product that doesn’t yet have significant organic demand”.

“The increases in the prior months have been weak, so I think there is an ongoing trend of weakening in the EV market,” Libby told Auto News. “We’ll have to watch where it goes, but there’s a lot of influences working against EVs right now.”

The Winners And Losers

Tesla remains the largest seller of EVs in the United States. In April, 39,913 new Tesla models were registered across the country, representing a 16 percent decline from April 2024. In second place was Chevrolet with a total of 9,160 registrations. It bucked the trend with a massive 215 percent spike, increasing its share of the EV market to 9.4 percent. This was primarily thanks to the Equinox EV with 5,424 registrations, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Ford came in third with 5,534 registrations, down 33 percent from April 2024. BMW edged out Hyundai for fourth place, logging 4,812 registrations, an 8.7 percent uptick. Hyundai fell to fifth after a 25 percent drop, totaling 4,796 units.

A number of other brands saw declines, including Rivian (down 30 percent), Mercedes (down 19 percent), and Kia (down a steep 68 percent). Cadillac and Honda posted big gains, up 104 percent and 2,359 percent respectively, while Volvo jumped 263 percent. Some smaller players, like Porsche and Fiat, also recorded substantial percentage increases, albeit from far smaller volumes.

US EV SALES APRIL 2025

The countdown to the 103rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb continues as Hyundai and Evasive Motorsports have unveiled a hardcore Ioniq 5 N. It’s slated to race up the 12.42 mile (20 km) long course on June 22 with Rob Walker behind the wheel.

Billed as Evasive Motorsports’ “most ambitious EV project to date,” the specially prepared Ioniq 5 N Pikes Peak has undergone a radical transformation and lost 500 lbs (227 kg) in the process. That’s a significant reduction and it was made possible by stripping the interior and creating a new set of doors out of carbon fiber. They’re joined by a carbon fiber tailgate and a number of one-off components.

More: Acura’s Tackling Pikes Peak With A Hardcore Integra Type S

Evasive said one of the biggest hurdles was sourcing competition parts, since very few exist for the Ioniq 5 N. However, Japan’s Voltex stepped up and created an aerodynamic body kit that includes a carbon fiber splitter, bulging fender flares, and new side skirts. They’re joined by carbon fiber underbody paneling and a massive rear wing.

Aerodynamics aside, the car has been outfitted with Krontec air jacks and 19-inch Titan racing wheels wrapped in Yokohama racing slicks. They’re joined by a six-point roll cage and a Moton coilover suspension with prototype anti-roll bars from EVS Tuning. Rounding out the highlights are CSG Spec brake pads and a Sparco carbon fiber seat.

Since the electric motors can’t be tuned, the car features a familiar dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the road-going model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.25 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).

Evasive Motorsports co-president Mike Chang said they’re aiming to “break the elusive 10-minute barrier” this year. He added, “We’ve come close in the past and feel it’s far more achievable with the Ioniq 5 N.”

Performance fans have had it pretty good in recent years, especially from some unlikely sources. The Stinger GT, especially with the 3.3-liter turbocharged V6, was one of those outliers, setting a high standard when it landed and proving Kia could do more than just practical commuters.

Since then, the Korean brand has turned out a handful of genuinely compelling performance cars. But that chapter is winding down. The GT badge isn’t going anywhere, but its connection to gasoline power is nearing the end.

Read: New Kia K4 Variant Fixes Its Most Controversial Angle, But You Probably Can’t Have It

Speaking to members of the press, Australian product chief Roland Rivero confirmed to CarSales that Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) as a whole is gradually moving away from combustion engines because of regulations. “The N tagline is being more and more applied to electrified product, and for a bunch of reasons,” he said.

“You’ve got to satisfy the global situation, and CO2 regulations are tightening all around the world,” Rivero continued. “Ours is going to catch up very, very quickly too, so I can understand why R&D centers are still trying to dial up driving enjoyment responsibly.”

The Last of the GT Gas Crowd

This is a serious blow to those who love performance cars. Since the Stinger GT came out, Kia has been quietly offering a great value in its sports cars. That sedan was genuinely excellent to drive and still lives on to a degree in the Genesis G70. Kia still sells the K5 GT, a front-wheel-drive sedan that packs more power than it probably needs, which, lets be honest, isn’t always a bad thing.

As we understand it, the K5 GT will be the last combustion-powered GT car from Kia. Meanwhile, Hyundai has already committed to another generation of the Elantra N, reportedly with a bigger engine. So the torch hasn’t gone out completely, but the flame is flickering.

Shifting Gears: From Gas to Kilowatts

Keep in mind that many brands, big and small, have backtracked from previous goals to go all-electric. Even Porsche, which has been talking about an electric 718 for ages, is changing its tune. Can Kia and Hyundai make a success of EV performance cars while other brands get cold feet?

If any brand can make electric performance succeed, it seems like Kia and its corporate partner, Hyundai, are the ones to do it. The EV6 GT is a genuinely epic little hatchback to drive, and it’s supercar-quick. Then, if that’s not good enough, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is basically everybody’s favorite performance EV.

“There’s no reason why an electrified product can’t give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and what not,” Rivero said. “Hot hatches are harder to justify as a business case, ongoing, when you combine all the elements of CO2 regulations and the global movement [toward electrification].”

The Kia boss was also asked about the possibility of hybrids or range-extended EVs playing a role in Kia’s performance future. He didn’t confirm anything, but as CarSales noted, there are ongoing rumors that Hyundai is developing hybrid N models. If that’s true, it’s likely Kia could follow suit.

So sure, it’s sad to see combustion GT cars go away, and Hyundai Motor Group might come to regret this choice… but at least the performance we’ve come to appreciate from the brand isn’t dying altogether. 

Update: Hyundai has released new details on the upcoming Ioniq 6 N, including specifics on its chassis setup and driving modes. We’ve updated our original story.

Hyundai’s electric performance lineup continues to evolve, and the Ioniq 6 N is set to raise the bar when it makes its official debut at Goodwood on July 10. Following the well-received Ioniq 5 N, which proved that an electric hot hatch can go toe-to-toe with its combustion counterparts, this new performance sedan aims to deliver sharper dynamics.

The Ioniq 6 N has been quietly progressing for some time. Its roots can be traced back to the 2022 RN22e concept, followed by sightings of camouflaged prototypes over the past few years. The first official teaser arrived in April 2025, timed with the reveal of the facelifted base model. More recent previews offer a clearer picture, highlighting the car’s sportier stance and intent.

The latest round of teasers offers a clearer glimpse of the upcoming EV, emphasizing its performance-driven design and intent. Highlights include a revised suspension setup, refinements to Hyundai’s simulated gearbox and sound system, and upgraded drift tuning for more precise control on the track.

Sharper Looks, Familiar Shape

While the Ioniq 6 N carries over the split headlight layout and sporty bumpers from the refreshed N Line model, a few key details separate it from the pack. Around back, it sports a prominent swan-neck rear wing perched above the integrated ducktail spoiler, giving the sedan a more track-ready silhouette.

More: Hyundai Teases Production-Spec N Vision 74

A closer inspection shows wider fenders front and rear, along with more aggressive bumper inserts that hint at its enhanced performance. The teaser images show the car in Hyundai N’s signature Performance Blue paint, accented by familiar red trim. Lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in sticky performance tires complete the look.

Aggressive Chassis Setup, Fake Sounds, And More Drift

While the Ioniq 6 N shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has introduced several upgrades that build on its lower ride height and more aerodynamic shape. These changes are aimed at improving handling and responsiveness, with the company highlighting a “fully redesigned suspension geometry.” Key revisions include a lowered roll center, a longer caster trail, and new electronically controlled stroke-sensing (ECS) dampers designed to better manage body movement and grip.

More: Hyundai’s New Ioniq 5 N DK Edition Proves EVs Can Shred Tires And Egos Alike

The EV will also feature updated versions of Hyundai’s N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ systems, now available across all drive modes. These enhancements are designed to replicate the feel and sound of a traditional performance car, right down to the simulated gear changes. The faux dual-clutch transmission uses a close-ratio setup, accompanied by an “N Ambient Shift Light” that signals when it’s time for the driver to make a virtual shift.

Rounding out the performance upgrades, the enhanced N Drift Optimiser introduces a wider range of settings to help drivers fine-tune the car’s behavior based on their own drifting skill level. Hyundai notes that this system is designed with track use in mind.

Hyundai hasn’t shared official powertrain specs just yet, but it’s likely the Ioniq 6 N will carry over the dual-motor setup from the Ioniq 5 N. That model delivers 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS), with a temporary bump to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) when N Grin Boost is activated. The same 84 kWh battery pack is expected to carry over as well, providing more than enough muscle to put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Joon Park, Vice President and Head of the N Management Group, says the Ioniq 6 N is designed to deliver “the most engaging driving experience possible in an EV.”

More details are expected when the car takes to the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10.

Hyundai

Given the performance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, affordability might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s now cheaper to lease in the States than before, as Hyundai prepares for the 2026 model release and works to clear out existing inventory, even though no major changes are expected.

Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Owners Report Dangerous Acceleration After Software Fix

Leasing the Ioniq 5 N had previously been quite expensive, with monthly payments set at $899 for 36 months, plus a $3,999 down payment due at signing before taxes and delivery fees. This brought the effective cost to about $1,010 per month. That’s an eye-watering amount, and nearly double some of the lease deals we’ve seen for the Lucid Air in recent months.

Now, Hyundai has slashed the Ioniq 5 N lease to $699 per month for 36 months, keeping the $3,999 down payment at signing. This offer kicked in on May 9 and will run until June 2, so you’d better hurry if you’re interested.

From what we learned, Hyundai achieved this drop by cutting the Money Factor (the interest rate used to calculate the rent charge) to .00017 for 24-month/12,000-mile leases and .00016 for 36-month/10,000-mile leases, while also inflating the residual values (the car’s expected value at the end of the lease) to 52% and 45%, respectively.

For the 36-month/10,000-mile option with the down payment, the effective monthly lease comes out to $810 before taxes and delivery fees. If you opt for a zero down payment, the total rises to $848.17 due to the higher interest rate. Hyundai also offers a purchase option at the end of the lease for $32,484, plus an additional $300 fee.

Other Options

While this deal might be too good to refuse for some, it’s worth keeping in mind that Kia is gearing up to launch its facelifted EV6 GT, and it features many of the same features as the Ioniq 5 N. In addition to rocking the same basic dual-motor powertrain, it has been updated with the same Virtual Gear Shift function as the Hyundai and promises an ICE-inspired soundtrack, too.

If you’re looking to buy, the Ioniq 5 N starts at $67,675. On one hand, that’s fairly reasonable for an electric vehicle that offers practicality alongside supercar-level performance. On the other hand, it’s still significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990.

Review: What’s It Like Living With The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

Plus, if you go for colors like Stealth Grey, Pearl White, or Deep Blue metallic, the flagship Model 3 qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the price down to $47,490 before taxes and fees. Something to keep in mind.

That said, for those looking for an EV that prioritizes driver involvement in a way no other competitor currently does, the Ioniq 5 N remains a solid choice. With up to 641 horsepower, it can go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds, and it even allows you to adjust the power split between the front and rear wheels for a truly customizable experience.

Automakers are flocking to setup shop in a new location and it has nothing to do with Trump’s tariffs. in fact, quite the opposite, as Saudi Arabia has emerged as the automotive production capital of the Middle East.

Things kicked into high gear in 2023 when Lucid opened Advanced Manufacturing Plant 2 in the Kingdom. It assembles the Air using  semi-knock-down kits that are “pre-manufactured” at the company’s main plant in Casa Grande, Arizona.

More: Lucid Opens New Plant In Saudi Arabia, Will Build The Air EV

However, the plant aims to become a fully fledged production facility later this decade. If everything goes according to plan, it will be able to build up to 150,000 vehicles annually, which will be sold in Saudi Arabia as well as export markets.

While the Lucid plant wasn’t surprising considering Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owned over 60% of the automaker at the time, Hyundai has now broken ground on a new plant in the King Salman Automotive Cluster within the King Abdullah Economic City. It will become the company’s first “production base” in the Middle East and it lays the “foundation for becoming a leading brand in Saudi Arabia.”

The plant is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2026 and have an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. The company didn’t say what will be built at the facility, but confirmed it will make vehicles with electric powertrains as well as internal combustion engines.

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME) facility is a joint venture between the automaker and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The latter will have a 70% stake, while Hyundai controls the remaining 30%.

While Saudi Arabia is an unusual spot for automotive production, their sovereign wealth fund has been enticing automakers to setup shop in the country. The investments are part of a national development project known as Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy. As part of this effort, Saudi Arabia wants to be less reliant on oil production and vehicle manufacturing is part of that.

The Ioniq 9 may have only just launched in America this month, but Hyundai is already moving quickly to attract attention and drive foot traffic to its dealerships. To spark interest, the automaker is offering some very competitive leasing and financing deals, providing potential buyers with a strong incentive to consider the brand’s first-ever three-row electric SUV.

Several trim levels of the Ioniq 9 come with up to $13,000 in lease cash that discounts the MSRP, available for those who opt for a 36-month lease. This makes it possible to drive away in a rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 9 S for as low as $419 per month.

Read: Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 Is Pricier Than EV9 But More Miles May Just Sell It

Before you get too excited, though, the devil is in the details. Hyundai also requires a $4,999 down payment, which raises the effective monthly payment to $558. Even so, this still seems like a solid deal, especially when you compare it to the $662 monthly payment for a Toyota Highlander XLE Hybrid, according to CarsDirect.

For those not keen on a three-year commitment, a 24-month lease is also available, though the lease cash decreases slightly, ranging between $10,000 and $11,000 depending on the model.

If leasing isn’t ideal, Hyundai offers two appealing financing options. Customers can opt for a 1.99% financing rate, or a 5.99% rate that includes a $5,000 bonus. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, meaning total savings could reach up to $12,500. For some buyers, this could bring the cost of financing a brand-new Ioniq 9 down to $48,000.

All versions of the Ioniq 9 come equipped with a large 110.3 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack. The base model gets a single 215 hp electric motor at the rear axles and has a quoted range of 335 miles or 539 km. Sitting above this model in the range is the Ioniq 9 AWD SE with 303 hp and 320 miles (515 km) of range.

Hyundai is also offering three versions of the flagship Ioniq 9 Performance, each delivering 422 horsepower and a range of 311 miles (500 km).

Sometimes your car just breaks. Other times, it breaks, sits for two months, gets stolen, wrecked, and leaves you holding the bag. This is the story of how one Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner’s unlucky repair turned into a cautionary tale about EV parts, dealership security, and what happens when everything goes wrong at once.

On March 16, nearly two months ago, Massachusetts resident Ethan Blount’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 abruptly stopped working. The culprit was the ICCU, a part already known for causing problems in the Ioniq 5 lineup. It failed, leaving Blount stranded, and he had the car towed to his local dealership.

More: Huge Study Shows EVs More Reliable Than ICE Cars With One Surprising Common Issue

At the time, he had no idea it would be the last time he’d see the vehicle in one piece. On May 2, the car was stolen from the dealership. When police eventually located it and gave chase, the situation ended with the Hyundai totaled and Blount left underwater.

A Part With a Pattern of Failure

But let’s rewind. The ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) plays a central role in the Ioniq 5’s electrical system. It manages the bi-directional charging between the 12V battery and the main high-voltage battery, which is responsible for powering essential systems, external devices, and even other EVs.

When it fails, the result is a completely immobilized vehicle. Dozens of Ioniq 5 owners have reported similar failures. In Blount’s case, the delay in repair came down to a parts shortage, with replacements on back order. So his EV sat, unusable and unguarded, for almost two months.

He tells The Autopian that he knew about the ICCU and suspected it immediately when he heard a loud pop. “I got only a mile or so before power started dropping precipitously, and pulled off the main road just in time. I contacted Hyundai and they dispatched a tow truck, taking my car to the nearest dealer,” says Ethan.

A Strange Notification, Then Silence

Then, on May 1, he received a notification via his Hyundai mobile app that the car was left on and idling. Good news, he thought, since it couldn’t do that without being fixed. The next day, everything fell apart. The dealer called and confirmed that the car was fixed but, strangely, they couldn’t find it.

Ethan whipped out his phone and tracked the car. It was in Boston, nowhere near the dealership. He called the police who tried to move in and secure the car, but clearly that didn’t work. The occupants sped off in it, ultimately lost control a short time later, hit a fire hydrant, and then smashed into a church. The impact was such that the Ioniq 5 was seriously damaged. The airbags all deployed, and the front is completely smashed in.

More: Kia EV6 Owner Fed Up After Multiple 12V Battery Failures

Boston police arrested three people at the scene, but they’ve left Blount in a tough spot. “Due to the rapid depreciation of the car I’m worried about what I will be offered by my insurance company since they declared it totaled today,” he said. “I fear I could end up still owing money and not even owning a car.”

In a positive turn though, Hyundai reached out to him two days ago, promising to help. Perhaps this entire saga will end up with the happy ending Blount clearly wants.

Credit: Ethan Blount

Update: Following the release of exterior photos for the new Elexio, Hyundai and its Chinese joint venture partner BAIC have now revealed the first images of the electric SUV’s interior. The centerpiece is a massive 27-inch dual-screen display with 4K resolution that extends from the left edge of the center console all the way to the front of the passenger seat.

Interestingly, in addition to the expansive main display, there’s a smaller screen positioned directly in front of the driver, dedicated to instrument cluster functions. It’s an interesting choice, and it remains to be seen whether Hyundai plans to bring this layout to models outside the Chinese market.

Compared to Hyundai’s international Ioniq series models, the dashboard and overall interior design take a more minimalist approach. The dash is free of physical controls, aside from those integrated into the three-spoke steering wheel. A prominent stalk at the base of the wheel appears to handle transmission functions.

At this point, it feels like Hyundai releases a new electric model every few weeks. But don’t worry, this one’s actually a little different. Meet the fully electric Elexio, a new SUV developed specifically for the Chinese market. It’s the latest creation from Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture with BAIC Motor, and it promises to deliver the latest tech and over 700 km (435 miles) of range on a single charge.

The SUV, which ditches the familiar Ioniq branding for a fresh name, made its debut at a special event in Shanghai. Hyundai plans to reveal the technical specifications at a later date. While the vehicle’s dimensions haven’t been disclosed yet, it seems to have a more compact footprint compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 available in other markets including North America.

More: Genesis Declares Full-Size War On BMW And Cadillac With EV Muscle

Interestingly, the Elexio adopts a new design language that sets it apart from the Ioniq lineup. The front end features a grille-less look with sporty bumper intakes, complemented by a full-width LED bar below the horizontally mounted headlights.

The profile stands out with sculpted fenders and a dark-finished D-pillar, which is visually connected to the rear spoiler. At the rear, the Elexio boasts high-mounted full-width LEDs, bold lettering, and some graphic elements on the bumper.

While Hyundai didn’t show any photos of the interior, they teased an “intelligent interface” with no physical buttons, alongside a new digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system will run on the Qualcomm SA8295 chip, delivering the latest connectivity features.

Inside, the design is said to focus on simplicity, with plenty of storage compartments. As for safety, the Elexio will be equipped with a range of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), offering Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities.

Powertrain and Range

The new SUV rides on the E-GMP architecture, which already underpins numerous electric models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. While the company didn’t share any details about the number of electric motors or their output, we do know that the platform is compatible with single- and dual-motor setups.

More: Hyundai Plans To ‘Sell Like Hell’ And Tariffs Can’t Stop It

A battery of yet-to-be-revealed capacity is expected to provide over 700 km (435 miles) of range under normal conditions, though this figure is likely based on the Chinese CTLC testing protocols. The battery will also feature rapid charging, able to go from 30-80% in just 27 minutes. It’s housed in a reinforced structure that meets the crash safety standards.

Manufacturing and Future Plans

The new Elexio will be manufactured in China by Beijing Hyundai, with a local market launch expected in the coming months. Whether it will be offered outside China has not yet been confirmed.

Earlier this year, Hyundai announced a $1.1 billion investment in its joint venture with BAIC. This move aims to deliver electrified products tailored to the needs of Chinese customers while boosting exports. With declining sales in China due to intense local competition, Hyundai is hoping vehicles like the Elexio will help restore its foothold in the world’s largest automotive market.

John Halas contributed to this story

Battery degradation is a serious concern and one that can cost owners dearly. While pricing varies by model and capacity, a new battery pack can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s what makes Lee Young-Heum’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 so interesting. He worked as a traveling salesman and racked up some serious mileage. In 2 years and 9 months, he’d traveled 360,395 miles (580,000 km) in the EV.

More: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Owner Hits 414,000 Miles, Gets Free Battery Swap After 360,000 Miles

This caught the attention of the Hyundai-Kia Research Institute, which wanted to examine how the battery and powertrain were holding up. While Lee reportedly didn’t have any problems, the company replaced his battery and motor free of charge, so they could look at the used components.

This examination revealed that after traveling such a massive distance – more than what separates the earth from the moon – the battery’s state of health was 87.7%. That’s an impressive number, especially when you consider that Lee used rapid charging, which is “known to put a huge burden on electric vehicle batteries.”

As Hyundai’s Yoon Dal-Young explained, “When developing a battery, we need to create a prediction model for durability performance and check whether this model matches actual usage results. That’s why we have actually checked the batteries of customer vehicles with high cumulative mileage.” The automaker typically uses taxis for these examinations, but Lee’s car had the highest mileage they had seen on an Ioniq 5.

Maintenance And Fuel Savings Are Huge

Lee said that when he drove a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, he’d get the oil changed every 15 days due to driving so much. Despite this regular maintenance, he had to replace engine and powertrain components “continuously.”

He says that’s not the case with the Ioniq 5 as he’s only had to replace “the most basic consumables.” The automaker noted at 410,105 miles (660,000 km), he would have had to have 66 oil changes, 8 spark plug replacements, 13 brake fluid changes, and 11 transmission oil changes on a Tucson. That’s on top of wear and tear.

Hyundai estimates this maintenance would cost $8,612 to $9,330 (₩12 to ₩13 million). The estimated price tag for the Ioniq 5 is significantly less at $1,076 (₩1.5 million).

Lee also saved a boatload in refueling costs as Hyundai estimated a turbocharged 1.6-liter Tucson would have required around $57,412 (₩80 million) worth of fuel. That stands in stark contrast to an estimated charging cost of around $35,882 (₩50 million). We’ll do the math for you and note that’s a savings of $21,530 (₩30 million).

Besides saving a ton of money, the Ioniq 5 was largely trouble free. However, after 403,891 miles (650,000 km) the car stopped slow charging. This was reportedly because the on board charger had reached the end of its lifespan and “died a ‘natural death.’”

The car still appears to be going strong and has over 416,940 miles (671,000 km) on the odometer. However, it’s getting a much-needed break as Lee recently switched jobs and will now be driving less.

The Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s first all-electric three-row SUV, has been priced from $58,955 in the United States and tops out at $76,490. While it’s a little pricier than the Kia EV9, with which it shares its platform, the Ioniq 9 has a much larger battery pack and offers more driving range than its Kia cousin.

All Hyundai Ioniq 9 models are underpinned by a 110.3 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack, including the base model. This version, known as the Ioniq 9 RWD S, pairs the sizeable battery with a 215 hp electric motor driving the rear axle, offering a quoted range of 335 miles (539 km), making it the range champion in the lineup.

Read: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

While paying $58,955, not including a $1,600 destination fee, may sound like a lot given the cheapest Kia EV9 starts at $54,900, it’s worth noting the base Kia only has a 76.1 kWh battery and 230 miles (370 km) of range. Even the higher-end versions of the EV9 make do with a 99.8 kWh battery, and the longest range offered by the EV9 is 304 miles (489 km) in the Light Long Range RWD version.

Five other versions of the Ioniq 9 have been announced in the US, all of which have all-wheel drive. The first of these is the Ioniq 9 AWD SE starting at $62,765 with 303 hp and 320 miles (515 km) of range. Sitting above is the more well-equipped AWD SEL, priced from $66,320 and complete with the same dual-motor powertrain and range.

Three versions of the Ioniq 9 Performance are then available. The base Performance Limited packs 422 hp, 311 miles (500 km) of range, and starts at $71,250. Sitting above in the range is the Performance Calligraphy, starting at $74,990. The flagship model is the Performance Calligraphy Design, priced from $76,490.

All buyers and lessees of the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 can choose to either receive a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger or a $400 ChargePoint charging credit. Importantly, all models are eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, meaning the cheapest Ioniq 9 effectively starts at $53,055 including destination.

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