FYI: Hyundai to Start Mass-Producing Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles in the US by 2026
Hyundai has unveiled ambitious electrification plans for the coming decade, aiming to capture a broader market by expanding its lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles. In a recent investor briefing held in Seoul, South Korea, the company outlined its strategy to adapt to shifting market demands and enhance its product offerings.
Shift Towards Hybrids
While Hyundai acknowledges the slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand, the company plans to augment its range with a series of plug-in hybrids. Hyundai’s plug-in hybrid vehicles will use a gasoline engine solely as a generator to recharge the electric drive system’s battery. This move is designed to cater to varying consumer needs and offer a more versatile, lower-emission option.
The company is currently focusing its hybrid efforts on compact models, but has plans to extend hybrid powertrains to larger, more premium Genesis vehicles. It anticipates a surge in hybrid demand, particularly in North America. Future hybrids will benefit from advanced brake energy recovery systems and vehicle-to-grid technology.
Manufacturing and Market Plans
By the end of 2026, Hyundai’s plug-in hybrids will be produced in both North America and China, with sales commencing the following year. The initial offering in North America will be a D-class SUV—comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis GV70—with an electric all-wheel-drive system. This SUV will feature a smaller battery than traditional EVs, complemented by a gasoline engine that acts as a range extender. Hyundai projects a range of approximately 900 kilometers (about 560 miles) for this series but has not specified the testing cycle used for this estimate.
Expanding the EV Lineup
Despite the growing interest in hybrid technology, Hyundai remains committed to expanding its electric vehicle lineup, with plans to introduce 21 new EV models by 2030. These vehicles will cover a broad spectrum, from affordable options to luxury and high-performance cars, with the company aiming to sell 2 million EVs annually by 2030. Overall, Hyundai hopes to achieve total annual sales of 5.5 million vehicles by that year.
A portion of these new EV models will fall under Hyundai’s premium Genesis brand, starting with a production version of the GV60 Magma concept. The Magma sub-brand is Genesis’ answer to high-performance divisions like BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG.
Performance and Production
Hyundai’s N performance sub-brand will continue to evolve its EV offerings, following the Ioniq 5N with likely the Ioniq 6N, which has already been seen in prototype form. Some of these new EVs will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Georgia factory in the US, which will produce the Ioniq 5 and the new three-row Ioniq 9 SUVs. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is already being produced at Hyundai’s Alabama plant.
Future Battery Technology
Hyundai is also developing solid-state batteries, a technology that promises cost efficiency and extended range but is not expected to be integrated before 2030. In the meantime, the company will lean on nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with further improvements under development to ensure competitiveness in the EV market.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s comprehensive electrification strategy, including a strong push towards both hybrid and electric vehicles, positions the brand to adapt to market changes and address diverse consumer needs. By expanding its hybrid range and continuing innovation in EV technology, Hyundai aims to meet ambitious sales targets and establish a robust presence in the future automotive landscape.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
