Hyundai has unveiled the 2025 Ioniq 5, produced as a test version at its Georgia plant in the US. (Image courtesy of Yonhap/AP)
SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor Company has pulled back the curtain on its 2025 Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, a test version produced at its new manufacturing plant in Bryan County, near Savannah, Georgia.
The unveiling, which took place on September 3 at a local dealership, marks a significant step in the South Korean automaker’s push into the U.S. electric vehicle market.
The Georgia facility, dubbed the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of this year. While Hyundai has confirmed that Ioniq 5 production will commence before year’s end, the company has yet to specify an exact start date.
The Ioniq 5 has already made inroads in the U.S. market, with approximately 19,000 units sold in the first half of this year. This places it fourth in electric vehicle sales, trailing behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E.
Hyundai’s dedicated electric vehicle plant in Georgia is on track for completion in October this year. (Yonhap)
A key factor driving Hyundai’s U.S. production strategy is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers tax credits of up to $7,500 for electric vehicles manufactured in North America.
Previously, Hyundai circumvented this requirement by focusing on lease agreements for its Korean-made vehicles, as leased vehicles qualify for the tax credit regardless of origin.
With U.S. production, Hyundai anticipates that the Ioniq 5 will initially be eligible for half the maximum tax credit, or $3,750, with the potential to qualify for the full $7,500 in the future. This move is expected to enhance the vehicle’s competitiveness in the growing U.S. electric vehicle market.
The 2025 Ioniq 5 boasts an impressive range, capable of traveling up to 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge, with certain configurations extending that range to 310 miles (499 km). These specifications position the Ioniq 5 as a strong contender in the mid-range electric vehicle segment.
While Hyundai has confirmed that production of the 2025 Ioniq 5 will begin before the end of December, the company has not yet disclosed pricing information. For reference, the 2024 model starts at $41,800.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
