South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai will bring a new sub-brand of electric vehicle (EV) models to its line-up starting in 2021 after announcing the launch of the new ‘Ioniq’ series.

Under the Ioniq brand, three all-new EV models will be introduced to the market by 2024, with room for more to follow as Hyundai look to push the boundaries of EV technology innovation.

The Ioniq brand will sit alongside Hyundai’s N performance range as sub-brands of the manufacturer.

The new brand will be introduced in 2021 with the Ioniq 5 model, a mid-sized SUB based off the Hyundai 45 concept vehicle unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in 2019.

Following the Ioniq 5 will be the Ioniq 6 model sedan in 2022, which was first revealed as the Prophecy concept vehicle earlier this year.

The pair will be joined by a second SUV in 2024, the large-sized Ioniq 7.

All models in the Ioniq range will be inspired by past Hyundai models but will represent a bridge to the future according to the company.

Hyundai’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer Wonhong Cho said the new Ioniq brand would bring a whole new customer-centric EV experience to customers.

“The Ioniq brand will change the paradigm of EV customer experience,” said Cho. “With a new emphasis on connected living, we will offer electrified experiences integral to an eco-friendly lifestyle.”

Hyundai has established itself as a leader in EV technology in recent years, with two popular EV models already on the market. Looking to build on this success, Hyundai will use the new Ioniq range to sell the idea of connected lifestyle solutions to customers.

The new models will be built on Hyundai’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which comes with fast charging capability, while allowing Hyundai to get creative with the interior, introducing new adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and advanced interface options among a host of changes.

The Ioniq name currently belongs to one of Hyundai’s latest models, the Ioniq small hatchback, which is available in all-electric as well as plug-in hybrid and full-hybrid variants. While the Ioniq vehicle is expected to remain, it will not be associated with the Ioniq series.

Source: Hyundai | Hyundai Motor announces Ioniq brand dedicated to EVs

12 Aug 2020