What Is Going on with Hyundai and Kia's EVs? The Future of Some Models Is up in the Air

Car and Driver

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The future of Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) models in the U.S., particularly the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan and the Kia EV6 SUV, is uncertain as both brands have yet to release official information about the 2026 model year. While sales for some EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and luxury Genesis GV60 have shown signs of recovery, others such as the Ioniq 6 and EV6 are struggling. The abrupt elimination of the federal EV tax credit last year has significantly impacted the EV market in the U.S., leading to a sharp decline in sales for many models. Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, which was launched with high expectations, has seen its sales plummet by 77% year-over-year, selling just 229 units in February. Despite unveiling a refreshed version of the Ioniq 6 last April, Hyundai has not provided any details about its availability for the 2026 model year. Meanwhile, the EV6 from Kia is also missing from both brands’ official 2026 lineup announcements. While Kia confirmed that the EV6 will remain in its lineup, it remains unclear whether it will receive updates or continue as planned. The broader context of the U.S. EV market highlights a challenging landscape for automakers like Hyundai and Kia. While electric vehicles were once seen as the future of the automotive industry with steady sales growth, the removal of the federal tax credit has caused a significant downturn. Both brands have been expanding their EV lineups, but the current market conditions are casting doubt on the viability of certain models. For instance, Hyundai is focusing on higher-end EVs like the Ioniq 9 and Genesis GV60 for the 2026 model year, while Kia’s plans for more affordable models like the EV4 and EV3 have been delayed or canceled. This shift in strategy reflects a broader industry trend toward premium EVs as automakers adapt to changing market dynamics. However, it also raises concerns about access to affordable electric vehicles for U.S. consumers. The uncertain fate of the Ioniq 6 and EV6 underscores the challenges automakers face in maintaining momentum in the competitive EV market, particularly when sales are already under pressure due to policy changes and shifting

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Originally published on Car and Driver on 3/3/2026