This year, domestic automobile manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor and Kia are launching a large number of eco-friendly new cars, including electric vehicles. Recently, there has been a continuation of the electric vehicle chasm, a temporary demand slowdown, but automakers plan to respond to the crisis by showcasing various types of electric vehicles.
The electric vehicle attracting the most attention is the Ioniq 9, which Hyundai Motor plans to begin sales of in the first quarter. The Ioniq 9 is the first large sports utility vehicle (SUV) unveiled in Hyundai's exclusive electric vehicle brand, the Ioniq lineup. Hyundai Motor unveiled the Ioniq 9 for the first time in the world at the Los Angeles (LA) Auto Show held last month.
The Ioniq 9 has been designed with a length of 5,060 mm, a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, a width of 1,980 mm, and a height of 1,790 mm, and four models will be released, including three types for six passengers and one type for seven passengers. It supports a 400/800V multi ultra-fast charging system that allows the battery capacity to be charged from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes with a 350 kW charger.
The rear motor-based 2-wheel drive cruise model has a maximum output of 160 kW and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, capable of traveling 532 km on a single charge. The 4-wheel drive cruise model boasts a maximum output of 226 kW and a maximum torque of 605 Nm, with a driving range of 503 km when fully charged.
Hyundai Motor's second-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Nexo, will also be launched this year. At the LA Auto Show, Hyundai introduced the new hydrogen fuel cell concept car 'Inisium,' which will be the successor to the Nexo. The Inisium has increased storage capacity for the hydrogen tank and applied aerodynamic wheels, ensuring a driving range of over 650 km on a full charge.
Kia's PV5, the first purpose-built vehicle (PBV) introduced in Korea, is also expected to be one of the most noteworthy new electric vehicles this year. A PBV is a vehicle that shares a basic platform but varies its appearance and functions according to its intended use. Kia unveiled three PBV concept cars, including the mid-size model PV5, the compact model PV1, and the large model PV7, at the 2024 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas last January.
The PV5 can be utilized not only for cargo transport but also as a passenger taxi. Kia noted that the spacious interior of the PV5 allows for work to be done during driving and can also be used as a medical emergency vehicle. The PV5 was recently selected by the UK-based commercial vehicle magazine What Van as 'a vehicle to watch this year.'
Kia's electric compact sedan, the EV4, is also expected to be launched. Although Kia has not officially announced the release plans for the EV4, production plans for the first half of this year have been scheduled, leading to an atmosphere in the automotive industry that considers its sale a fait accompli. The electric compact SUV EV5, currently being sold in China, is also anticipated to debut in Korea this year.
Kia unveiled the EV5 and EV4 concept cars at 'Kia EV Day' held in October 2023. At that time, Kia announced plans to operate the EV5 produced in Korea in three models: standard 2-wheel drive, long-range 2-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive. Among these, the long-range 4-wheel drive model with an 81 kWh capacity battery is expected to have a combined output of 195-225 kW.
Genesis, the premium brand of Hyundai Motor Group, will launch an electrified facelift model of the mid-size SUV GV70 and a facelift model of the electric compact SUV GV60. The electrified facelift model of the GV70 emphasizes the exterior of the electric vehicle model, differentiating it from the existing internal combustion engine GV70, by applying a new-shaped G-Matrix pattern crest grille and a wide bumper design.
KG Mobility will release the Torres Hybrid. Having focused solely on internal combustion vehicles for a long time, KG Mobility has been collaborating with China's electric vehicle manufacturer BYD to jointly develop electric and hybrid vehicles since 2023. The hybrid model of the mid-size SUV Torres is the first hybrid vehicle that KG Mobility is launching in collaboration with BYD.
KG Mobility also plans to unveil the country's first electric pickup truck (project name O100), which will be based on the electric vehicle Torres EVX.
Renault Korea, which recorded high sales after launching the mid-size SUV Grand Koleos last year, is pinning hopes on the imported Scenic E-Tech Electric this year. The Scenic E-Tech Electric is equipped with a 87 kWh capacity battery, allowing it to travel up to 625 km on a single charge, and has driving performance with a maximum output of 160 kW and maximum torque of 300 Nm. This vehicle was also selected as 'Car of the Year 2024' at last year's Geneva International Motor Show.