GV80

Make
Genesis
Segment
SUV

The dust has barely settled following the unveiling of the first Genesis SUV, the GV80, and now more information about a smaller all-electric crossover from Hyundai's luxury arm has emerged. Back in January, we heard that Genesis was looking into a full-size GV90 as well as a separate electric crossover, and now we've got some more details to share on the latter. According to a report from The Korean Car Blog, the upcoming SUV will be codenamed JW EV and production is due to begin in June next year.

In the image below, we can see a test mule of this high-performance EV that is a lot more compact than the GV80. We wouldn't read too much into the styling at this point, as the rear view appears to be that of a Kia Niro EV. It's no great surprise since Hyundai Motor Group's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) is expected to underpin several Korean EVs, including the upcoming Genesis JW.

The report from KCB indicates that Genesis aims to produce 22,000 JW EVs annually when production gets underway. The SUV will go up against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the Tesla Model X - tough competition, yes, but the segment is still growing.

The E-GMP platform has several advantages. Financially, it will reduce costs by being adaptable enough to be used on a number of models within Hyundai's portfolio, not just on the JW EV. The platform features a flattened lower vehicle section that has been designed to accommodate high-voltage batteries, increasing range.

Battery capacity is also variable, so in much the same way that Tesla offers Long Range and Performance batteries, the JW EV could be sold with the same options when it goes on sale. The report indicates that the JW EV will also support fast charging; the battery can be charged to 80 percent in only 20 minutes using a charging station. Already, 350-kW chargers are planned for major Korean cities, and the US could follow suit.

The target range for the JW EV will be in the region of 310 miles. If Genesis can achieve that, it'll be within the territory of the Tesla Model X Performance, which currently boasts a range of 305 miles. With Hyundai Motor Group's bigger plan to introduce over 40 EVs by 2025, the JW EV from Genesis is just one of several exciting models that are on the way. That's without mentioning electrified versions of the GV70 compact-luxury SUV and the full-size G80 sedan.

Already, the GV80 has demonstrated the luxury brand's smooth transition to SUVs, plus it comes in at a more palatable price than its esteemed rivals. If the JW EV can combine electric power, luxury, and an affordable price, Tesla and the Germans could be in for a shock.