Hyundai unveiled its long-range electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, in South Korea on February 13th. With a driving distance of 532 kilometers on a single charge, it has the longest range of any Hyundai electric vehicle. Priced in the 60 million won range for the base model, it is considered competitively priced when compared to Kia's EV9.
Hyundai Motor Company vice president Chung Yoo-seok stated at the Ioniq 9 media showcase held at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on February 12, "The Ioniq 9's superior power utilization, based on its large-capacity battery, will open up new possibilities for drivers."
The Ioniq 9 is powered by a SK On lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 110.3 kWh, enabling it to travel more than 500 kilometers on a single full charge. It also includes a multi-quick charging system that can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger.
"The vehicle underwent several safety tests, such as vibration, thermal shock, and fire immersion, as part of the government's pre-certification program for battery safety," said Choi Jun-seok, head of Hyundai's Battery Design Team 1.
The Ioniq 9 is expected to be priced in the low-to-mid 60 million won range for the basic model after the government's electric vehicle subsidy is applied, making it over 6 million won cheaper than Kia's EV9, which was launched last year with prices ranging from 73.37 million to 83.79 million won.
The seven-seat Ioniq 9 models are priced at 67.15 million won for the Exclusive, 73.15 million won for the Prestige, and 77.92 million won for the Calligraphy. The six-seat versions are priced at 69.03 million won for the Exclusive, 74.64 million won for the Prestige, and 79.41 million won for the Calligraphy.
With electric vehicle (EV) demand slowing down and the Chinese EV market growing, Hyundai aims to boost sales by offering competitive pricing. As the large EV market is still in its early stages of development, making it easier for consumers to enter the market is crucial.
Hyundai intends to increase the sale of Ioniq 9 to the United States and Europe following its introduction in South Korea. The company is aiming for about 6,500 sales of the Ioniq 9 in its home market within the first year. As a spacious electric SUV, the Ioniq 9 is designed to cater to families and appeal to individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping.