Ioniq Electric

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Hatchback

Around this time last year, we got news that the gorgeous Hyundai Prophecy concept would make production as a budget-friendly alternative to the Porsche Taycan, likely called the Ioniq 6. The Korean automaker has just announced that it is investing billions in building cars and advancing technology in the US too, so we have no reason to doubt that the marque will keep its promise to make that stunning Prophecy a reality. But while we wait, a new design has been filed with China's intellectual property office that suggests Hyundai has been busy on another new EV that won't fall under the Ioniq sub-brand. What is it though, and who is it for?

The headlights seem to be inspired by the Kona Electric and the Creta, a crossover not sold here in the US. Based on the fact that Ioniq models have thus far all been astonishing pieces of design unlike any regular Hyundai, we know that this new design won't be a part of the regular Ioniq family. However, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is getting a little long in the tooth, so perhaps Hyundai is looking to refresh that model. That being said, it could be replaced or killed off altogether.

We do have a theory though.

We know that Hyundai is going to sell its Ioniq vehicles here in the States, and we also know that many manufacturers have vehicles sold only in other markets like Asia. Considering that this patent was filed in China, as well as the fact that the car is clearly a non-Ioniq-brand EV, we suspect that this new model will be something that only Asian markets will experience. As such, it will likely be quite affordable and nothing special to drive. We'll follow up with more details as we get them, but it seems that our dreams of a Prophecy-inspired budget Taycan are still alive and well.