Hyundai Plans to Launch Ioniq 9, a Three-Row SUV, as its Next Electric Vehicle in the US

In a bid to expand its presence in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market, Hyundai has revealed its plans to introduce the Ioniq 9, a robust three-row SUV, as its next EV offering in the United States. This announcement was made by Hyundai executives during an investor day conference this week. The Ioniq 9 will be produced at the company's factory in Georgia, indicating Hyundai's commitment to manufacturing EVs in popular segments.

Based on the Concept Seven, which was unveiled last year, the Ioniq 9 will share the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with other Hyundai models, including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, as well as the Kia EV6, Kia EV9, and Genesis GV60. Manufactured at the same Georgia-based Metaplant as the upcoming Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 9 will also benefit from the federal EV tax credit of $7,500 by being assembled in the US.

During the investor day conference, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jae Hoon Chang confirmed that a production version of the Ioniq 9 will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year, according to InsideEVs. Hyundai aims to boost its market share in the plug-in vehicle market by introducing innovative and desirable EVs in response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

In addition to unveiling the Ioniq 9, Hyundai expressed its intention to increase its lineup of hybrid vehicles, recognizing that US consumers are increasingly inclined towards hybrid options. The company noted a shortage of hybrids in the North American market and aims to address this demand by expanding its hybrid offerings.

The Concept Seven, which formed the basis for the Ioniq 9, boasted impressive charging capabilities and a generous electric range. It claimed to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 20 minutes, with a range exceeding 300 miles. However, during the investor day conference, Hyundai executives hinted at the development of Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), which could offer even greater range. These EREVs, similar to the BMW i3 and Chevy Volt, have small gas engines that recharge the battery pack without directly powering the motors. Hyundai executives even speculated that the Ioniq 9 could potentially have a range of over 560 miles when fully charged.

With a wheelbase exceeding 10.5 feet, the Ioniq 9 is set to become one of Hyundai's largest concepts to date. Sporting a towering grille, the design places it alongside other imposing SUVs and trucks, such as the Cadillac Escalade, in terms of size and presence.

As Hyundai continues to invest in the EV market and expand its sustainable vehicle lineup, the upcoming release of the Ioniq 9 and its focus on hybrid vehicles signal the company's commitment to catering to the evolving preferences of the North American market.