Parallel to the start of pre-sales, series production of the Hyundai EO also began in mid-October. According to Chinese media reports, the actual market launch is scheduled to take place this month, specifically on 29 October. The EO will be an important model for Hyundai, as the EO, once introduced as the Elexio, is the South Korean manufacturer’s first electric car developed specifically for China.
Three versions of the model are available, called Fun, Smart and Tech, with prices ranging from 130,000 to 150,000 yuan (15,650 to 18,050 euros), which are relatively close together. With a total of five drive variants, standard ranges (according to the Chinese CLTC testing cycle) of 518-722 kilometres are possible. The Hyundai EO is available with two battery sizes (64.2 kWh and 88.1 kWh), both of which are LFP batteries from BYD subsidiary FinDreams. There is also a front-wheel-drive version with 160 kW of power and a 233 kW all-wheel drive version.
The EO is based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which is also well known in Europe, and measures 4.62 metres long, 1.88 metres wide and 1.68 metres high. The wheelbase measures an impressive 2.75 metres, as the overhangs have been kept deliberately short. It is thus aimed at the mid-range electric SUV segment, which is also in high demand in China. CN EV Post lists the BYD Yuan Plus (known in Europe as the Atto 3) and the Geely Galaxy E5 as the main competitors to the new Hyundai model – the two Chinese SUVs are slightly cheaper, with prices starting at 115,800 and 109,800 yuan, respectively.
cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for Ev Authority’s German edition.
