Hyundai’s decision to discontinue the standard Ioniq 6 from its U.S. lineup comes as a surprise to many, especially considering its popularity among electric vehicle enthusiasts and design aficionados. However, the svelte sedan never quite gained the same traction as its crossover sibling, the Ioniq 5.
The announcement, first reported by Edmunds, includes the important detail that Hyundai will still import select quantities of the high-performance Ioniq 6 N this year. Model year 2025 Ioniq 6 will continue to be available, but the MY2026 versions will no longer be shipped to the U.S.
One likely reason for the cancellation of the Ioniq 6 is tariffs, as the sedan is manufactured in South Korea. In contrast, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 are assembled in the U.S. at Hyundai’s Metaplant America factory in Georgia.
Poor sales in the U.S. and the overall climate surrounding EVs could also have played a role in the decision to discontinue the Ioniq 6. Hyundai sold only about 10,000 units of the Ioniq 6 in the U.S. last year, a 15% drop from the previous year. After the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit last September, overall EV sales experienced a sharp decline due to pull-forward demand. While sales of the Ioniq 5 have since recovered, with over 5,000 units sold year-to-date, the Ioniq 6 saw only about 573 units sold in the first two months of this year.
Despite its lackluster sales performance, the Ioniq 6 was never considered a bad EV. It offered fast-charging capabilities and a long range, making it a competitive option in the EV market. Its arrival in the U.S. in 2023 helped Hyundai establish itself as a leader in the EV space, alongside Tesla and emerging Chinese automakers.
While the discontinuation of the Ioniq 6 may come as a disappointment to some, the availability of the high-performance Ioniq 6 N may offer a glimmer of hope for fans of the sleek sedan. Hyundai’s decision reflects the evolving landscape of the EV market and the challenges faced by automakers in meeting consumer demands and regulatory requirements. It was a standout performer in terms of range, charging speed, design, and overall driving experience. The decision to discontinue it in the U.S. market comes as a surprise to many who saw it as a promising electric vehicle option.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was praised for its impressive EPA range of 342 miles, which put it in direct competition with other top EVs on the market. Its 800-volt architecture allowed for rapid charging speeds, with a 10-80% charging time of just 18 minutes. This made it a convenient option for drivers looking to minimize downtime during long trips.
In terms of design, the Ioniq 6 stood out with its sleek and aerodynamic bodywork, earning it the nickname of an “Electrified Streamliner”. The dual spoilers at the rear added a touch of sportiness to its overall aesthetic. Automotive media outlets, including InsideEVs, praised the Ioniq 6 for its efficiency and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Unfortunately, the Ioniq 6 will join a list of other EV models that have been discontinued in the U.S. market this year. While some of the canceled models may have been lackluster in their offerings, the Ioniq 6 was a standout performer that will be missed by EV enthusiasts.
For those still interested in getting their hands on an Ioniq 6, there is still some time left to purchase a MY2025 model before inventory runs out. Additionally, Hyundai has announced plans to release the Ioniq 6 N variant later this year, although it is expected to come with a hefty price tag of around $70,000.
Overall, the cancellation of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in the U.S. market is a disappointing development for those who appreciated its performance and design. It serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the EV market and the challenges faced by automakers in maintaining a diverse lineup of electric vehicles.