Hyundai kicks off IONIQ 3 EV production in Turkey
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- Hyundai held a ceremony at its Izmit plant in Turkey on Friday to mark the official start of IONIQ 3 production — its first EV built at the facility following a €250 million ($290 million) upgrade, with initial output of 30,000 vehicles annually
- The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai's first B-segment electric vehicle and its first EV specifically designed for Europe, arriving as Chinese automakers like BYD rapidly gain market share on the continent
- Sales begin in September with the Standard Range listed at £22,245 (~$30,000) in the UK and starting at €27,995 (~$32,000) in the Netherlands, rolling out to additional markets throughout the year
- The IONIQ 3 offers two battery options — a 42.2 kWh pack delivering up to 213 miles of WLTP range and a 61 kWh pack with up to 308 miles — both charging from 10% to 80% in roughly 29-30 minutes via DC fast charging
- The IONIQ 3 debuts Hyundai's new Pleos OS infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, with center screen options of 12.9" or 14.6" plus an optional driver display and an integrated Gleo AI companion
- CEO Chung Euisun personally inspected the Izmit plant earlier this month, telling employees the IONIQ 3 must prioritize quality and be recognized as "the best vehicle in Europe"
Why it matters: The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai's first dedicated European B-segment EV, entering a segment that makes up roughly 15% of European car sales at sub-€30,000 pricing — directly countering Chinese rivals like BYD gaining ground. With 30,000 units of initial annual capacity and B-segment EV penetration projected to hit 65% by 2035, it's Hyundai's high-volume play for Europe's mass-market electric transition.
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