The cheap final price is through South Korean government subsidies. It’s clear, the only way to compete with the Chinese manufacturer prices is through government subsidies.

Hyundai’s electric vehicles are becoming more affordable in Korea. Hyundai unveiled new E-Value + trims for the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kona EVs in its home market. The cheaper Hyundai EVs use the same battery as the standard models and start at around $22,500 with incentives.

The starting price for the Kona Electric E-Value trim is $31,000 (41.42 million won), while the lower-priced IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models start at $35,200 (47 million won) and $35,190 (46.95 million won), respectively.

Hyundai said with government incentives, the actual purchase price is expected to be in the $22,500 (30 million won) range.

Will Hyundai launch cheaper trims for EVs in the US? With US production starting later this year, it’s a possibility. But then again, Hyundai already has some of the most affordable EVs on the market.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric starts at $32,675, while the 2024 IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models start at $41,800 and $37,500, respectively. Hyundai is also passing the $7,500 tax credit on through leasing, dropping prices even lower.