Hyundai Tests Compact Electric SUV Prototype — SkimNews
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- Hyundai is testing a disguised compact electric SUV in South Korea, with its boxy proportions setting it apart from the recently-launched IONIQ 3's "Aero Hatch" styling.
- The prototype carries an "HE1" test tag, following the "ME" (IONIQ 5) and "NE" (IONIQ 9) naming convention where the trailing "E" indicates an E-GMP platform vehicle.
- Chinese outlet Autohome released matching spy images in March (via Team-BHP.com), calling it "very likely" an IONIQ 1 prototype — leaving the final name unresolved.
- Hyundai Motor's August CEO Investor Day outlined plans to launch 100 new or refreshed vehicles by 2030: 58 for North America, 49 for South Korea, 41 for Europe, and 26 for India.
- Glimpses of the interior show Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system.
- The SUV is expected to mirror the Kia EV3, which is sold with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh batteries delivering WLTP ranges of up to 214 miles (344 km) and 308 miles (497 km).
Why it matters: Hyundai is funneling 67 of its 100 planned 2030 launches into Europe and India, and this boxy B-segment prototype — likely E-GMP-based and specced against the Kia EV3 — is the next compact piece in that pipeline. The naming uncertainty (IONIQ 1 vs. IONIQ 4) doesn't change the strategy: Hyundai is filling the small SUV gap its IONIQ 3 hatch left open in Europe.
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