Hyunsoo Kim Global Economic News HYUNDAI Motor Co. and Kia launched their first dedicated electric cars, the Ionic 5 and EV6, at the 2021 Shanghai International Motor Show to target the Chinese eco-friendly car market. Hyundai’s Genesis brand also unveiled its first G80 electric model. Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to lead the electrification of the Chinese automobile market by establishing 13 and eight electrification lineups, respectively, by 2030. On Monday, Hyundai Motor unveiled the Ioniq 5 for the first time in China at the Shanghai auto show Monday. “It is meaningful that Hyundai’s electric vehicle is being introduced in China for the first time,” said Lee Hong-peong, Hyundai Motor’s brand and sales division head during a press conference. He added, “Starting with the Ionic 5, the company will increase its competitiveness in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market.” Ionic 5 is the first vehicle to apply E-GMP, an exclusive platform of Hyundai Motor Group electric vehicles. It can drive up to 429 kilometers (long-range 2WD model, based on 19-inch or 48.26-centimeters wheels) per charge. In the case of the 350 class super-fast charging, the car can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent battery capacity within 18 minutes. It can be driven for a maximum of about 100 kilometers after charging for 5 minutes. At the motor show, Hyundai Motor re-emphasized four strategies: expanding electrification to target the Chinese market, strengthening hydrogen technology, presenting future mobility solutions and strengthening local technology. Hyundai Motor plans to launch a dedicated electric vehicle model in China every year from next year and build 13 electric vehicle lineups by 2030 by releasing various electric models such as hybrid models and hydrogen electric vehicles. |