Hyundai Ioniq 9 Three-Row SUV To Be Constructed In America; 560-Mile ‘EREV’ In 2026

• Hyundai Motor Group is not slowing down on EVs.
• The Korean automaker’s CEO introduced huge information for North America, together with the Ioniq 9 SUV to be in-built Georgia and a brand new extended-range electrical car, or EREV. 
• Hyundai may even double its hybrid lineup, together with for the Genesis luxurious model.

But once more, as different automakers start to sluggish down on electrical autos, Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group is stepping on the accelerator. On the automaker’s annual CEO Investor Day occasion in Seoul, senior leaders introduced their technique over the following few years, holding a objective to promote 2 million EVs per yr globally by 2030 however including extra hybrids into the combination—together with a long-rumored new sort of auto that will function the final word “bridge” between inner combustion and electrical energy.

Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jae Hoon Chang additionally introduced huge plans for the U.S. market, and for U.S. jobs: the upcoming new Hyundai Ioniq 9 electrical three-row SUV might be constructed on the new Metaplant in Georgia, becoming a member of the acquainted Ioniq 5 anticipated to start out manufacturing there later this yr. 

In doing so, Chang additionally reaffirmed the title of the brand new SUV, which was beforehand referred to as the Hyundai Ioniq 7. Unveiled because the Hyundai Seven Idea in 2021, the manufacturing model is anticipated to be seen on the Los Angeles Auto Present later this yr. 

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“Hyundai Motor is making important strides in its quest to grow to be a world top-tier participant within the EV market,” Chang stated in ready remarks. “As the one international automaker with a full battery system lineup, Hyundai Motor is devoted not solely to enhancing battery efficiency but additionally to making sure that EVs are inexpensive, secure and simple to keep up.”

Georgia manufacturing of the Ioniq 9 had been anticipated, particularly given the success of the same Kia EV9 three-row crossover in America—which can be now constructed within the U.S. The Metaplant manufacturing facility in Bryan County close to Savannah is because of produce as much as 300,000 autos per yr whereas bringing hundreds of jobs to the realm, firm officers have stated. Constructing the Ioniq 9 right here ought to qualify the automobile for U.S. EV tax credit of some type.

As well as, with Ford now pivoting to a hybrid setup for its beforehand all-electric three-row SUV, Hyundai and Kia might get a good greater lock on the mainstream three-row EV section—for now, at the very least. 

However even because it saved in place that aggressive international EV gross sales goal, Hyundai officers admitted that the trail to an electrical future has been slower and fewer even than anticipated. As such, Chang confirmed that the automaker will step into EREVs—quick for “Prolonged Vary Electrical Car.”

A contemporary tackle the idea pioneered by the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Volt, an EREV is basically a battery-powered EV that additionally packs a fuel engine, however solely as a generator to recharge that battery pack. The fuel engine doesn’t drive the wheels. 

“The brand new EREV will mix the benefits of inner combustion engines and EVs,” Chang stated. “Hyundai Motor has developed a novel new powertrain and energy electronics system to allow four-wheel drive with the appliance of two motors. The operation is powered solely by electrical energy, much like EVs, with the engine getting used just for battery charging.”

As well as, that EREV mannequin might be in-built North America (the automaker didn’t disclose precisely the place) and China in 2026, Chang stated. They’ll debut as SUVs from Hyundai and the Genesis luxurious model with a goal of 80,000 models per yr on this continent. At the least some fashions will supply “refueling and stress-free charging” with a spread of over 900 km, or 560 miles, when absolutely charged. 

“It supplies EREV clients with a responsive EV-like driving expertise, permitting shoppers to naturally transition to EVs throughout future demand restoration intervals,” Chang stated. From 2030 onward, “Hyundai Motor goals to construct a full lineup of EVs, from inexpensive EVs to luxurious and high-performance fashions, and launch 21 fashions by 2030 to supply shoppers with varied choices.” China will get extra subcompact EREV fashions too, he added.

Hyundai is not the one automaker moving into the EREV recreation. Stellantis is as properly, with the extremely anticipated Ram Ramcharger truck that rides on a battery EV platform but additionally makes use of a V6 engine just for recharging. Mercedes-Benz is rumored to supply the identical setup as an choice on the upcoming CLA-Class too. By constructing vehicles on an EV platform however including a fuel engine just for charging, automakers can put together their R&D and manufacturing for the long run whereas the EV charging networks get constructed out—all with the ostensible objective of going all-electric sometime. At the least, that is the thought, anyway.

Within the meantime, Hyundai additionally introduced a significant growth of its hybrid choices. The automaker has seen appreciable success within the U.S. with vehicles just like the Santa Fe Hybrid and Sonata Hybrid, so extra fashions are coming, together with to Genesis. These vehicles may even be in-built Georgia. “This technique will enable the corporate to reply swiftly to the North American market, which at present faces a scarcity of hybrid provide, and to boost the operational effectivity of the manufacturing facility,” Chang stated. 

This can be a breaking information story and could also be up to date. 

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