Hyundai launched its large electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, in South Korea on Feb. 13. With a driving range of 532 km per charge, it boasts the longest range among Hyundai’s electric vehicles. Priced in the 60 million won range for the base trim, it is considered competitively priced against Kia’s rival, the EV9.
At the Ioniq 9 media showcase held at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on Feb. 12, Hyundai Motor Company vice president Chung Yoo-seok said, “The Ioniq 9’s superior power utilization, based on its large-capacity battery, will open new possibilities for drivers.”
The Ioniq 9 is powered by SK On’s lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 110.3 kWh, allowing it to travel over 500 km on a full charge. It also features a multi-ultra-fast charging system that can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger
“The vehicle passed various safety evaluations, including vibration, thermal shock, and fire immersion, as part of the government’s pre-certification program for battery safety,” explained 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 base trim after applying the government EV subsidy, making it over 6 million won cheaper than Kia’s EV9, which launched last year with prices ranging from 73.37 million to 83.79 million won.
Available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, the Ioniq 9’s seven-seat versions 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 slightly higher, with the Exclusive at 69.03 million won, the Prestige at 74.64 million won, and the Calligraphy at 79.41 million won.
With EV demand stagnating and the Chinese EV market expanding, Hyundai seeks to overcome sluggish demand with competitive pricing. As the large EV market is in its early growth phase, reducing consumer entry barriers is essential.
Hyundai plans to expand Ioniq 9 sales to the U.S. and Europe following its domestic launch. The company aims for approximately 6,500 unit sales in South Korea during its first year. As a large electric SUV, the Ioniq 9 will target family car demand and attract customers interested in outdoor activities like camping.
