Hyundai to build Ioniq 3 in Türkiye
The comments did not appear through Hyundai’s official channels but can be considered reliable given Berkel’s position. His statement was clear: “We will start production of our Ioniq 3 model next year. This will be the first electric vehicle that Hyundai produces in Europe for the first time in Turkey,” he told a correspondent of the state news agency Anadolu Agency (AA) at the IAA. “This will also be the first electric vehicle exported from Türkiye to Europe after Togg.”
The information itself is not surprising. Since May, it has been known that Hyundai plans to build electric cars alongside combustion models at its plant in İzmit from August 2026. Until now, it was unclear which model. Berkel named the UK, Germany and France as the main markets for the Ioniq 3.
At the IAA in Munich, Hyundai did not yet present the production version of the Ioniq 3 but instead unveiled the Concept Three design study, seen as a preview of the model. The concept is a compact car measuring 4.29 metres in length, 1.94 metres in width and 1.43 metres in height. Hyundai did not provide technical details at the show, instead focusing on design. The study combines straight lines and rounded shapes with the Ioniq-typical pixel lights. It has a deliberately dynamic design that gives the car a sporty appearance.
Berkel also confirmed what had long been expected regarding the technology of the Ioniq 3: it will be based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). “Thanks to E-GMP, many electric models from A segment to E segment can be produced on the same infrastructure. Hyundai will be the first foreign manufacturer to bring this technology to Türkiye,” he said.
However, he did not confirm whether the 400-volt or 800-volt version of the platform will be used. Considering Kia’s EV3, EV4 and EV5, the 400-volt system is likely for this size and price class. The 400-volt platform offers two battery sizes of 60.3 and 81.4 kWh and a front-wheel drive of up to 160 kW.
The fact that Izmit will also build electric cars in future is already confirmed. Currently, Hyundai mainly produces combustion-engine small cars for Europe at the plant, specifically the i10, i20 and the i20-based SUV Bayon. The latter two will be updated in 2027 and will also receive hybrid versions. The plant has a capacity of up to 245,000 vehicles per year, but this will be temporarily reduced to 190,000 during the conversion for EV production.
Hyundai already builds electric cars in Europe at its Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic, where it produces the Kona Electric. However, the Ioniq series EVs continue to be imported from South Korea, including the latest addition to the range, the Inster small car.
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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