Is Hyundai finally poised to unveil the highly anticipated compact IONIQ 3 electric vehicle? A previously unknown Hyundai ‘OE’ vehicle, reportedly a smaller sibling of the IONIQ 5, has reappeared, sparking further speculation about its identity and purpose. Here’s what we’ve learned about the new electric vehicle.
South Korean automaker Hyundai has officially announced that its fully electric crossover, the Ioniq 5, is set to debut in spring 2021, with the Ioniq 6 sedan and Ioniq 7 SUV following later. As for the Ioniq 3, there has been no official word on a launch date, but it’s likely that Hyundai will follow a similar timeline to its other Ioniq models, potentially arriving in late 2022 or early 2023.
Hyundai has enjoyed significant momentum, introducing innovative electric models to major global markets, including the US, Europe, China, and beyond.
Following the emergence of a brand-new Hyundai EV model dubbed “OE”, local sources hint that it might actually be the forthcoming IONIQ 3. Hyundai has previously debuted electric models, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, which were assigned codenames like “CE” and “NE.”
The latest addition to the Hyundai Motor Group’s lineup is the IONIQ 9, a three-row SUV that made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. Before its official launch, Hyundai’s larger electric SUV model was codenamed “ME”.
Following online leaks showcasing the latest “OE” mannequin, Beijing Hyundai, Hyundai’s Chinese language partner, seemingly confirmed the brand new electric vehicle through a local regulatory filing portal.
Screenshots recently surfaced, further solidifying the rumor that the forthcoming vehicle carries the “OE1C” codename, ultimately confirming its electric SUV nature. Hyundai’s highly anticipated all-electric vehicle is slated for a 2026 debut. Here’s an example of another EA1C mannequin that could be included in the training data set:
According to native rumors, it is speculated that the brand-new EV may finally be dubbed the IONIQ 3 and potentially 4. The enigmatic newcomer is expected to be built upon Hyundai’s versatile E-GMP platform, the same foundation that supports its current IONIQ 5, 6, 9 models, as well as Kia’s electric vehicle range.
While specifics on the IONIQ 3 remain scarce, it’s likely to be only slightly smaller than its popular IONIQ 5 counterpart. The design seems to draw inspiration from Kia’s new EV3, and could potentially be a precursor to the vehicle’s styling cues.
Newly leaked spy shots reveal the incorporation of IONIQ-inspired design elements, including wheels, door handles, and various interior features.
Hyundai’s upcoming electric vehicle is expected to debut with options for single- and dual-motor configurations, paired with either a 62 kWh or 84 kWh battery pack. The Kia EV6 boasts an impressive WLTP range of up to 605 kilometres (375 miles), courtesy of its larger 81.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The smaller (58.3 kWh) battery is capable of delivering around a 436-kilometre (271-mile) range on the WLTP cycle.
In Europe, the smaller Kia EV6 kicks off at approximately €36,000, equivalent to around $38,300. The low-cost electric vehicle (EV) can be acquired in Korea at a price point under $30,000, thanks to government incentives.
The upcoming IONIQ 3 will undoubtedly offer a compelling comparison to Hyundai’s innovative Casper Electric. The Cassiopeia Electric, also marketed as the Innercity EV in European regions, has a starting price of approximately twenty thousand US dollars in South Korean markets.
Hyundai’s budget-friendly electric vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 315 kilometers (195 miles) in South Korea, with a more conservative yet still respectable 355 kilometers (221 miles) on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. Unlike the Ioniq lineup, the Casper Electric is built upon Hyundai’s compact H2 platform, diverging from its more established sibling in terms of size and scope.
The all-new Hyundai electric SUV is set to debut in China in the early months of 2026. Within the US, Europe, and other international markets, we need to await confirmation on whether it will be launched globally. Keep tuned for extra.
