The launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan may be delayed due to a “significant redesign” aimed at increasing its range, as reported by The Korea Economic Daily on Monday.
Based on the Hyundai Prophecy concept, the Ioniq 6 is set to be the second model from Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq sub-brand, following the compact crossover Ioniq 5. The originally planned release for early 2022 is now expected to be delayed by two to three months, according to the report, citing anonymous sources with access to Hyundai’s internal documents. The new target is May or June 2022.
One of the reasons for the delay is the decision to increase the size of the battery pack from 72.6 kWh to 77.4 kWh, the same size offered in the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5, to enable an estimated range of 310 miles, according to the report.
Both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are based on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which will also be used for electric vehicles from sister brands Kia and Genesis. The Ioniq 6 will be built at a factory in Asan, South Korea, currently manufacturing the Hyundai Sonata sedan, according to the report.
The Ioniq 6 will also debut with an “illumination grille” featuring integrated LED elements that can be used to communicate with other vehicles or pedestrians, according to the report. While the company has not officially commented on how this might affect the U.S. launch, it has hinted at a delay. “The Ioniq 6 product launch schedule and specifications have not been decided yet,” said Hyundai Motor America in an official response to Green Car Reports, retracting from the previously confirmed 2022 arrival for the U.S. that was announced last year.
The calendar year 2022 is a significant milestone for Hyundai, as it is expected to have at least 10 electrified vehicles in its U.S. lineup, including plug-in hybrids. Additionally, the automaker plans to manufacture electric vehicles in the U.S. starting in 2022, possibly including its Ioniq 7 SUV, scheduled for launch in 2024.
