Hyundai i10 replacement model could be an EV, RM 90k in Europe starting price possible

• Hyundai's entry-level EV could supersede the i10
• Circa EUR 20,000 price point targeted
• Hyundai is planning for another 11 more EVs by 2030

Hyundai’s formidable entry-level model, the Hyundai i10, is set to be replaced by a small electric vehicle (EV), according to a recent report by Automotive News Europe.

According to Hyundai Motor Europe’s marketing chief Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Hyundai is currently developing a battery-powered, entry-level car. While he stopped short on specifics, it is possible that the entry-level EV could be based on the Hyundai i10, the company’s smallest car.

In view of ever-tightening emissions regulations in Europe, car makers are scrambling to develop pocket-sized EVs, with a target starting price of EUR 20,000 (~RM 90k). That said, Hyundai’s entry-level EV could take some time before it reaches European dealerships.

Also Read: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric almost sold out in Malaysia, next batch to come soon

Hofmann told ANE that Hyundai’s own EV will be priced similarly. “Everybody in the industry knows the target of this kind of vehicle is 20,000 euros.” He added that small EVs are difficult to sell profitably due to their low pricing, as well as technical difficulties with electrifying small vehicles.

Also Read: While Malaysia sold 274 EVs in 2021, Indonesia sold 2.5x more with Hyundai leading

This entry-level Hyundai EV will be followed by another 11 EVs that Hyundai has lined up for Europe by 2030, Hofmann added.

Closer to home, the most affordable Hyundai EV is the Hyundai Kona Electric, priced from RM 156k.

Also Read: 2022 Hyundai prices post-SST: Ioniq 5 up by RM 10.5k, Kona Electric up by RM 8.5k