The Ioniq 5 N lease price dropped from $899/month to $699, with $4K due at signing.
The new offer is available for a limited time, with no change to the down payment.
Hyundai is clearing out existing Ioniq 5 N inventory before the 2026 model release.
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.
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.
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.
Hyundai has officially started construction on its first plant in the Middle East.
Located in Saudi Arabia, the plant is expected to open by the end of next year.
The facility will produce up to 50,000 electric and ICE-powered vehicles annually.
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.
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.
Hyundai is offering most Ioniq 9 trim levels with $13,000 in lease cash.
All Ioniq 9s have a large 110.3 kWh battery pack and over 310 miles of range.
This new three-row electric SUV is available for as little as $558 per month.
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.
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).
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat unrepaired for weeks due to ICCU failure and parts shortage.
Thieves stole the EV from the dealer, fled police, and crashed it into a church.
Insurance declared vehicle totaled leaving the owner concerned about financial losses.
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.
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.
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.
The Elexio is the first EV developed in China by the Beijing Hyundai joint venture.
This fully electric SUV features a design distinct from Hyundai’s Ioniq lineup.
Built on the E-GMP architecture, the Elexio promises a 435-mile (700 km) range.
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.
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.
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.
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 in South Korea has been driven for more than 416,940 miles.
At 360,395 miles, the car was trouble free and the battery’s health was 87.7%.
At the 410,105 mile mark, the owner saved an estimated $21,530 in refueling costs.
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.
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 entry-level version of the Ioniq 9 offers up an impressive 335 miles of range.
Performance models have two electric motors pumping out a combined 422 hp.
Ioniq 9s will start to arrive in Hyundai dealerships later this month.
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.
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.
Electric vehicles have dominated the 2025 World Car Awards by winning five categories.
The Kia EV3 was named World Car of the Year and it’s slated to come to the United States.
All winners were EVs with the exception of the hybridized Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
The World Car Awards have been presented at the New York Auto Show and they were a truly global affair. So much so, that most of the winners aren’t even available in the United States.
While that’s disappointing, the Kia EV3 was named 2025 World Car of the Year. The model beat the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster to win top honors, earning Kia their second consecutive World Car of the Year award following last year’s crowning of the EV9.
The EV3 isn’t offered in America, but it’s coming as long as tariffs don’t get in the way. That being said, we tested it earlier this year and came away pretty impressed.
Electric vehicles had a strong showing this year as the Volvo EX90 was named 2025 World Luxury Car. It bested the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera to take top honors.
The electric crossover starts at $79,995 and features a 111 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and travel up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.
Moving on, the Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric was named World Electric Vehicle. It’s a pint-sized urban crossover that has 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS) and is primarily offered in the East.
The EV trend continues as the BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini was named World Urban Car. The hatchback costs less than $10,000 in China and the Seagull Intelligent Driving Edition offers up to 252 miles (405 km) of range.
World Car Design of the Year, unsurprisingly, went to an EV. It was the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which is interesting as the electric van has been around for a few years now. That doesn’t exactly seem fair, but the model bested the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250 for the title.
Last but not least, there’s the only non-EV to win an award. It was the Porsche 911 GTS, which was named 2025 World Performance Car.
The sports car starts at $169,800 and features a hybridized powertrain that consist of a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six, an electric motor, and a small battery pack. This gives the model a combined output of 532 hp (397 kW / 539 PS) and 449 lb-ft (608 Nm) of torque. This enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).
Hyundai engineers have been snapped testing an EV version of the Staria MPV.
The electric minivan could have an 84 kWh battery and a 205+ mile electric range.
The Staria debuted in 2021 and is currently available with ICE and hybrid power.
With its sci-fi-look face, Hyundai’s Staria looked like a minivan from 10 years in the future when it debuted in 2021. The only think missing from the picture was an electric drivetrain, but these spy shots shows that won’t be the case in the near future.
Our photo team snapped a prototype Staria EV wearing German license plates and testing on European roads. The test van was dressed in double disguise consisting of an eye-scrambling wrap across the bodywork and Hyundai’s usual collection of black nylon panels at the front and back ends.
With so much of the Staria covered up it’s hard to work out how the EV will look. Or it would be if we hadn’t already seen the whole car without a stitch of disguise, as it was spied in a Koean parking garage at the beginning of the year.
Those pictures show Hyundai‘s new EV will ditch the current Staria’s giant black grille for more painted plastic, but leave an ugly rectangular cooling slot in the center and two more rectangular vents below. I don’t know about you, but I think the 2021 model with its jumbo grille is a far better looking machine.
We’re still to learn about the exact battery and powertrain setup, but we do have some clues about what to expec, courtesy of the Staria-based ST1 box van and chassis cab and its badge-engineered brother, the Iveco Moody. The Moody comes with a single electric motor delivering 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque and a choice of 63 kWh or 76 kWh batteries, the latter delivering a WLTP range of 320 km (199 miles).
We’d be surprised if the Staria didn’t improve on both the battery capacity and range with the help of the Ioniq’s 84 kWh pack, while retaining the V2L capability and 800-volt technology for fast charging. The Moody can add 62 miles (100 km) of range in just 10 minutes when hooked up to a 350 kW charger.
The Staria EV should be revealed later this year, but until then buyers will have to content themselves with a choice among a 3.5-liter V6, a 1.6-liter hybrid or a 2.2-liter diesel powertrain.
Tesla retained market dominance but saw an 8.6% drop in its market share.
Rivian tumbled to ninth place overall, with a sharp 37.1% drop in Q1 sales.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning remained the top-selling electric truck despite a dip.
Americans bought more electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2025, but it’s not just enthusiasm for clean energy that’s pushing the numbers. Sales of EVs were up 11.4% year-over-year, with some of that bump likely driven by fears of disappearing federal tax credits and looming tariffs. Gas-powered cars even saw some love, as buyers rushed to lock in purchases before incentives or prices changed. Crisis buying: it’s not just for toilet paper anymore.
For context, the entire new vehicle market (regardless of powertrain) grew 4.3% in Q1 2024, totaling roughly 3.9 million units, according to Auto News. That puts EVs at 7.6% of the market, a noticeable increase from last year, and a sign that electric adoption, while still uneven, continues to inch forward, at least for now.
Brands: Tesla Still Leads, But It’s Not All Good News
You probably guessed it that Tesla still wears the EV crown. The company moved 128,100 vehicles in Q1, capturing a commanding 43.5% share of the EV market. That’s still dominant, but it’s down 8.6 percentage points from last year. Some of that slip can be chalked up to delays in rolling out the updated Model Y. The rest? Probably a mix of market competition and the ongoing Elon Effect, a combo of social media theatrics and questionable business decisions that make both investors and buyers twitch.
Ford continues to hold a firm grip on second place, selling 22,550 electric vehicles in Q1, an 11.5% increase over last year, giving it a 7.7% share of America’s EV market. But the real drama happened just below that. Rivian, which held the No. 3 spot last year, tumbled all the way down to ninth place after a steep 37.1% drop, totaling just 8,553 sales. Hyundai, previously in fourth, slid to No. 6 despite a modest 5.1% gain to 12,843 units. Its Kia sibling dropped from fifth to eighth, as sales fell 24.1% to 8,665.
Taking their places, Chevrolet surged into the No. 3 spot with 19,186 units sold, recording a 114.2% increase, while BMW climbed to No. 4 with 13,858 deliveries, up 26.4% from a year ago. There were other notable shifts as well: Porsche more than tripled its EV sales in Q1, thanks to the Macan Electric. On the flip side, Mercedes took the hardest hit, with sales plunging 58.3%, despite aggressive lease deals and major incentives, as many of our readers have pointed out. For all the numbers and surprises, check out the full brand breakdown below.
BEST SELLING EV BRANDS
Brand
Q1-25
Q1-24
YOY
Market Share
Tesla
128,100
140,187
-8.6%
43.5%
Ford
22,550
20,223
11.5%
7.7%
Chevrolet
19,186
8,957
114.2%
6.5%
BMW
13,538
10,712
26.4%
4.6%
Hyundai
12,843
12,218
5.1%
4.4%
VW
9,564
6,167
55.1%
3.3%
Honda
9,561
–
–
3.2%
Kia
8,656
11,401
-24.1%
2.9%
Rivian
8,553
13,588
-37.1%
2.9%
Cadillac
7,972
5,800
37.4%
2.7%
Nissan
6,471
5,284
22.5%
2.2%
Audi
5,905
5,714
3.3%
2.0%
Toyota
5,610
1,897
195.7%
1.9%
Acura
4,813
–
–
1.6%
GMC
4,728
1,668
183.5%
1.6%
Porsche
4,358
1,247
249.5%
1.5%
Mercedes
3,472
8,336
-58.3%
1.2%
Subaru
3,131
1,147
173.0%
1.1%
Volvo
2,718
996
172.9%
0.9%
Jeep
2,595
–
–
0.9%
Dodge
1,947
–
–
0.7%
Genesis
1,496
992
50.8%
0.5%
Lexus
1,453
1,603
-9.4%
0.5%
Mini
696
824
-15.5%
0.2%
Jaguar
381
256
48.8%
0.1%
Other EVs
5,930
6,764
-12.3%
2.0%
Total (Estimates)
296,227
265,981
11.40%
100%
Cox Auto / KBB
SWIPE
Models: The Y Slips But The 3 Soars
Looking at individual models, the Tesla Model Y still tops the US EV sales chart, but its grip on the lead has loosened. It delivered 64,051 units in Q1, marking a steep 33.8% decline from last year. The delayed launch of the standard facelifted “Juniper” version didn’t help matters, as only the pricier Launch Edition was available early in the quarter. We’ll see how the new Juniper performs once the entire range goes on sale.
On the flip side, the Model 3 is having its moment. It saw a huge 70.3% increase in sales, hitting 52,520 units in Q1. For perspective, that’s nearly as many as the next three brands (Ford, Chevrolet, and BMW) sold combined, at 55,274. Tesla’s aggressive sales strategy likely played a role, with improved lease offers and zero-percent financing, though that conveniently wrapped up in April.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E maintained third place among EV models with 11,607 units sold, a significant 21% increase, helped along by solid discounts and lease incentives. Rounding out the top five were the Chevy Equinox EV (10,329 units), the Honda Prologue (9,561), and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which saw 8,611 deliveries, a 26.2% jump.
Trucks: F-150 Still Rules But Cybertruck Catching Up
As for electric trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning remains the best-seller, even though deliveries dropped 7.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Tesla’s Cybertruck, love it or hate it (and many do), is at least moving the needle upwards, with 6,406 units sold, up 128.5% over last year’s laughably small starting numbers.
GMC doesn’t separate sales by body style, but Rivian does, and its R1T pickup moved just 1,727 units this quarter, a massive 47% drop from Q1 2023. For all the flak the Cybertruck catches online, it’s still outselling the R1T by a wide margin. No, it’s not the million-unit-a-year miracle Elon once promised, but it’s still finding more buyers than the R1T and that should be sounding alarms in Rivian’s executive suite.
The refreshed electric sedan includes a thoroughly revised front fascia.
Hyundai has added an N Line trim to the Ioniq 6 family for 2026.
The Model 3 Performance-rivalling Ioniq 6 N should pack around 641 hp.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a brilliant EV, but its design has always been a little controversial. Now, the brand has launched a facelifted version of the Ioniq 6, and it certainly looks a lot sleeker while retaining the streamlined shape of the model we’re all familiar with.
This new Ioniq 6 has been unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, although no clear images of the revised rear-end have been published. Fortunately, we have been provided with a good look at the overhauled front fascia. Not only does it look more refined than the old model, but it’s also more aggressive, particularly in N Line guise.
One of the more peculiar parts of the outgoing model was the headlights. Just like Hyundai did with the Sonata, the carmaker has ditched these weird lights in favor of split lights, consisting of thin LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps positioned lower in the bumper. It makes a world of difference to the EV’s design.
Those who want something a little more aggressive would be wise to opt for the new Ioniq 6 N Line. It opens up the front fascia, and much like the Elantra N, includes a gaping wide grille and air intakes. Hyundai is also promising a new rear bumper that incorporates more black parts, and has showcased the N Line with distinctive silver and black wheels.
The rear of the new Ioniq 6 retains the LED light bar of the outgoing model, but now includes a large ducktail lip spoiler. It’s also ditched the odd second spoiler that was positioned at the base of the rear window, and it looks much better because of it.
“IONIQ 6 has evolved from a single Electrified Streamliner into a lineup, each model expressing its own character while staying true to one refined vision,” the head of Hyundai Design Center, Simon Loasby said of the new model. “Under the evolved design concept of ‘Pure Flow, Refined’, we’ve enhanced every line and detail to make IONIQ 6 simpler and more progressive.”
Some minor tweaks have been made to the cabin of the new Ioniq 6, too. For example, there’s a different three-spoke steering wheel, the window switches have been repositioned, and there are new USB ports. No technical details about the new model have been announced.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Perhaps the most exciting titbit from these images is our first proper teaser of the long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It’s inspired by the RN22e concept from a few years ago and has been showcased with a bespoke rear fascia, a large fixed rear wing, and new LED taillights. There’s no word on its power, but it should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Ioniq 5 N, producing the same 641 hp and also featuring synthetic exhaust sounds and a simulated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It will be unveiled in July.
A new battery was installed for free after the original lasted 580,000 km, or 360,000 miles.
The high mileage means the owner has driven approximately 550 km (342 miles) every day.
Hyundai offers a battery warranty that ranges from 8 to 10 years, depending on the market.
We may have just stumbled upon what could very well be the highest-mileage Hyundai Ioniq 5 in existence. Despite being a 2023 model, this Korean EV has racked up an astonishing 666,255 km (413,991 miles) — nearly enough to make the round trip to the Moon. Yes, you read that right. The Moon.
This Ioniq 5 popped up on a Facebook page where owners regularly share their mileage milestones, and this one has certainly earned a spot at the top. This particular Ioniq 5 lives in Korea, and the owner has driven it more than most people will in their entire lifetime. This is a car that’s seen some serious road time.
The post doesn’t clarify the exact model of the Ioniq 5, but the car’s original battery reportedly held up until it reached 580,000 km (360,395 miles). When it finally gave up the ghost, Hyundai replaced it at no charge. Now, we’re left scratching our heads a little on this one.
In most markets, like the US and Australia, the Ioniq 5’s battery warranty typically covers 8-10 years, but with a cap of 100,000 miles (160,000 km). So, why Hyundai decided to cover the cost of the replacement is anyone’s guess. Maybe they were feeling generous? Or maybe this is just an extraordinary exception to the rule.
Regardless of the reason behind the free battery pack, let’s not overlook just how much driving this Ioniq 5 has seen in a relatively short amount of time. According to the post, the owner has had the Hyundai for 3 years and 4-5 months, covering an impressive 666,255 km or 413,991 miles.
If the Hyundai’s been in their hands for exactly 3 years and 4 months (or 40 months), that averages out to 16,656 km (10,349 miles) per month, or roughly 555 km (345 miles) a day. If it’s been 3 years and 5 months, that’s a monthly average of 16,250 km (10,097 miles), or 541 km (336 miles) per day. Either way, that’s a lot of road time.
To really drive the point home: the average distance between the Earth and the Moon is around 384,400 km (238,855 miles). So, this Ioniq 5’s owner has driven the equivalent of a one-way trip to the Moon and back, and then some. And did we mention the owner is a salesman? Yeah, this guy clearly spends more time behind the wheel of his Ioniq 5 than most of us spend staring at our phones. That is, of course, when he’s not waiting for it to charge.
The factory is already assembling the Ioniq 5, as well as Kia and Genesis models.
Hyundai has increased the annual production capacity of the facility to 500,000 units.
Pricing details for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV in the States have yet to be announced.
After committing a hefty $21 billion investment into its US operations, including the construction of a new $5.8 billion steel plant, Hyundai has officially kicked off production at its Metaplant in Georgia. The site, which began construction over two and a half years ago, will focus on producing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, boosting Hyundai’s push into the EV market.
The Grand Opening of the site was attended by Hyundai leaders, as well as Governor Brian P. Kemp, US Representative Buddy Carter, and the president and chief executive of the Kia Corporation, Ho Sung Song. The Metaplant has already started building the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 and, perhaps most importantly, is now also building the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is its first three-row electric SUV and serves as its alternative to the Kia EV9. Presented last November, the Ioniq 9 is underpinned by the group’s E-GMP architecture and fitted as standard with a 110.3 kWh battery. The brand has yet to announce US pricing for the SUV, but we know it will be offered in several different guises.
The base model has a 214 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels and a quoted range of 385 miles (620 km). Sitting above this version is the Long Range AWD, which adds a 94 hp motor up front. The flagship Ioniq 9 Performance has 214 hp motors at the front and rear, allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds.
Initially, the Hyundai Motor Group planned to build 200,000 electric and hybrid vehicles at the Metaplant. However, as part of its increased commitment to the US market, it’s expanded annual production capacity up to 500,000 units.
“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia,” Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung said. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”
Hyundai’s first electric SUV for China will debut soon with unique styling.
The model appeared in a video teaser during cold weather testing.
Hyundai’s new R&D center in Shanghai is spearheading its development
Hyundai is preparing to unveil a new fully electric SUV, specifically designed for the Chinese market. This upcoming model, which remains unnamed for now, is a result of the Beijing Hyundai joint venture, and it recently made its first appearance in an official teaser ahead of its expected launch later this year.
The teaser reveals a camouflaged prototype of the SUV undergoing cold-weather testing. Despite the cover-up, we can catch a glimpse of distinct styling elements that set this SUV apart from the global Hyundai Ioniq 9, which is notably absent in China.
Even under camouflage wraps, the SUV’s design features some clear visual cues. The headlights are connected by a slender LED strip along the front. The rear sports a muscular shoulder line that flows into a more upright tail, complete with an integrated spoiler. Not to be overlooked are the full-width LED taillights, which stretch toward the sides, enhancing the SUV’s profile.
Hyundai recently opened an R&D center in Shanghai, dedicated to developing electric models specifically for the Chinese market.
Beijing Hyundai
While we’re still waiting for detailed specifications, it’s likely the new SUV will be built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), which is shared across their Ioniq and Kia EV lines. This platform supports both single and dual motor setups and can handle battery packs as large as 110.3 kWh, suggesting this SUV could offer impressive range and performance.
Currently, Beijing Hyundai’s offerings are limited to internal combustion engine (ICE) models, including popular vehicles like the Sonata and Elantra sedans, the Tucson L and Santa Fe SUVs, and the Mufasa SUV. The only electric model available in China right now is the performance-oriented Ioniq 5 N, imported directly from Hyundai’s global lineup.
We’ll get more details about this new fully electric SUV on March 28. Whether that will be the official debut or just another teaser remains unclear, but for now, the teaser video below will have to do.
The dramatic concept is inspired by the world of video games and has a crazy design.
It’s unclear what kind of mechanical changes the brand has made to the car.
Hyundai will lift the veil on the Insteroid next month and unveil it publicly.
Over the past few years, Hyundai has created several high-performance electric concepts, proving to the world that it’s committed to building cars that are fun to drive and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It looks to have done this yet again with its latest project, known as the Insteroid.
This special one-off, teased with several images and a video, takes the regular all-electric Inster and completely transforms it by taking inspiration from video games. As you may have guessed, the car’s name is a portmanteau of ‘Inster’ and ‘Steroid’ and will be unveiled in the flesh in early April.
The car appears to share very little in common with the regular Inster. All-new bodywork has been crafted for the concept, including massive flared wheel arches at the front and rear, not dissimilar to those from the i20 N WRC car. The cabin appears to be completely stripped out, and we can see a roll cage in there. Elsewhere, Hyundai’s designers have crafted a set of aerodisc wheels and a towering rear wing.
Several teasers of the car shared on social media show it’ll come complete with a raft of bright orange accents and a ghost logo that looks like it’s been pulled straight from Pac-Man. One teaser shows some of the car’s interior instruments, including Boost buttons, driving mode settings, and a track mode. There also look to be orange seat belts.
According to Hyundai, the Insteroid is a “thrilling ‘glitch’ in the automotive matrix, seamlessly merging the boundary-pushing aesthetics of video games with real-world engineering to create a vehicle that feels like it’s morphed straight out of a digital speedway.”
The road-going Inster, which itself is based on the Casper, is sold with a single electric motor delivering 95 hp in base form of 113 hp in the flagship version. Here’s hoping Hyundai fits a more potent powertrain to the Insteroid, perhaps the same dual-motor setup as the Ioniq 5 N which is used by the RN24 rolling lab model presented last year.
Hyundai’s localization strategy aims to mitigate future policy changes and tariffs.
The brand is investing $12.6 billion to build EVs and hybrids in the United States.
CEO Jose Munoz emphasizes the importance of long-term investment strategies.
With hefty US tariffs looming large across most of the automotive industry, many carmakers have to work out the best way to minimize the impacts. Some, like Honda, are reportedly planning to move some production from Mexico into the US. Others, like Hyundai, appear to be ahead of the game and aren’t overly concerned with Trump’s next moves.
During the first Trump administration, the Hyundai Motor Group decided to make huge EV investments in the United States, and this decision could now start to pay dividends. While speaking during the company’s recent annual general meeting in South Korea, chief executive Jose Munoz confirmed the brand’s “localization strategy” will “help mitigate the impact of any potential policy change.”
Hyundai’s Bet Pays Off
This was the first time Munoz spoke at a Hyundai shareholder meeting since taking the top job at the firm on January 1, Bloombergreports. His sentiment mimicked statements he made just days after starting as CEO, where he said the relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk “should be positive for the industry.”
Late last year, Hyundai started building the all-electric Ioniq 5 at its massive ‘Metaplant’ west of Savannah, Georgia, roughly two years after breaking ground at the site. This plant will handle the production of five other EVs from the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. Not only that but in May last year, Munoz revealed the plant would be adapted to also build hybrid vehicles.
A $12.6 Billion Gamble
Hyundai is investing roughly $12.6 billion into electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities across Georgia. While speaking about these investments earlier in the year, Munoz confirmed they were not made because of the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden, nor because of any other incentives.
“It’s not a good policy to just simply make an investment because of the incentives, because they can come and go,” he said. “We believe the US market is the most important for us today and it’s going to continue to be the most important in terms of not only the absolute but also the growth and therefore, investing and localizing is a good strategy. I think we are in a better place today than we were four or five years ago.”
GM and Hyundai are exploring a range of opportunities, which could benefit both automakers.
Hyundai could get a version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks.
GM could acquire two electric vans, which could replace the Chevy Express and GMC Savana.
General Motors and Hyundai announced they were exploring a partnership focused on joint product development, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies last fall. The companies were coy on specifics, but reports emerged in January that Hyundai could supply GM with electric vans.
Fast forward to today and the pieces are starting to fall into place as Reutersis reporting that Hyundai could give GM two electric commercial vans. In return, GM could give Hyundai a pickup that would be based on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
This is interesting to note and it makes us wonder if the truck could serve as a replacement for the Santa Cruz. The company only sold 32,033 units in the United States last year and the model starts at $30,200 which is only $3,295 less than the Colorado.
Hyundai is also said to be keen on offering a version of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. However, GM “hasn’t put that option on the table” and this implies it could be a big ask.
One of the vans is said to be based on the Hyundai ST1 and it would reportedly be imported from South Korea. However, the automaker is reportedly considering North American production by 2028. This could occur at either an existing plant, a contract manufacturer, or at an all-new facility. The latter would ramp up slowly, but could have an annual production capacity of more than 100,000 units by 2032.
The report goes on to say GM is expected to eliminate the aging Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans soon, so the Hyundai-sourced EVs could serve as their replacements. However, the threat of tariffs looms large.
Aside from vehicles for the United States, the companies are reportedly discussing the possibility of Hyundai providing GM with compact crossovers for Brazil. Unsurprisingly, it’s expected to be based on the Creta, which is built in the country.
Hyundai is also said to be considering deals that extend far beyond vehicles and include joint purchasing and development of everything from batteries to computer chips.
Hyundai is recalling 1,508 Ioniq 5 Ns over braking fault tied to Left-Foot Braking mode
Cars built between December 2023 and December 2024 are affected by the recall notice.
The brand urges owners to avoid Left-Foot Braking until dealers complete software update
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is equipped with a dizzying array of different driving modes and features designed to make it the ultimate all-electric hooligan. However, an issue with one of these features has forced the company to recall more than 1,500 Ioniq 5 Ns across the United States.
A recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pinpoints the car’s Left-Foot Braking mode as being at fault. As the name of this mode implies, it allows drivers to use the brake and throttle pedals simultaneously and is aimed at high-performance driving on the racetrack.
However, it has been revealed that, at certain times, the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) control software can trigger a depressurization of the ABS system, reducing braking performance. This obviously increases the risk of a crash, particularly on the track where drivers need the most out of the braking system.
In total, 1,508 examples of the Ioniq 5 N are involved in the recall. These cars were manufactured between December 18, 2023, and December 10, 2024.
Hyundai plans to notify both dealers and owners of the recall on April 7 and is encouraging all owners to stop using the Left-Foot Braking feature. Dealers have been told to update the IEB and VCU software to rectify the fault.
While this appears to be the first recall specifically impacting the Ioniq 5 N in the US, the regular model has been recalled in the past. In November last year, the Hyundai Motor Group recalled over 145,000 Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis G80 Electrified, Genesis GV70 Electrified, and Genesis GV60 models, because the integrated charging control unit could get damaged, preventing the 12-volt battery from charging and causing it to slowly drain.
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