Hyundai Aiming To Release All-Electric “Prius Fighter” Before End Of 2016
Originally published on EV Obsession.
Hyundai will be offering an all-electric (EV) version of its soon-to-be-released “Prius fighter” — a vehicle intended to compete with the Toyota Prius, as you can probably guess — according to recent reports.
The aerodynamically efficient hatchback is, according to the unspecified source, going to be released before the end of 2016. When asked to comment on the rumor, Hyundai reps reportedly declined.
As it stands currently, Hyundai only offers one electric vehicle — the plug-in hybrid version of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, which possesses an all-electric range of only 24 miles and was unveiled in January of this year.
Hyundai has previously revealed its intent to release its “Prius fighter” (reportedly featuring some of the design elements of the company’s next Elantra subcompact sedan) sometime later this year. It’s not clear if that’s still the target and that the electric version will follow afterwards, or if the release date has been revised and the two versions will be released closer together.
As far as the reason to release the (as yet unconfirmed) all-electric version of its “Prius fighter,” that seems rather simple: Toyota has no official plans to release an all-electric model in the American market. That means that Hyundai can position itself as the electric alternative.
An interesting idea. I’m curious to see how the strategy pans out (assuming that there is any truth to the rumors, and, if so, things continue moving forward). Anybody have any thoughts? Or care to make any predictions?
I really enjoyed their Sonata Hybrid when I rented on a year or two ago. Right up there in quality, mpgs and all that with the Prius. Can’t wait to see what they can do and I wouldn’t put it past them to put something out that looks much like what I would have expected toyota to do a few years ago – an electric prius. Yeah, that’s basically what the article says…and I think they can / will do it.
Seems misnamed since it isn’t the same type of car.
Yes. It doesn’t make much sense. How about a Leaf fighter?
It seems that the hybrid version is the “Prius fighter” but instead of a lame PHEV it will also come as a fully electric.
Lame? LOL.
We need more competition among EVs. Hopefully this will be a compelling value. Come on Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Ford, etc. Let’s go.
Electric is the way to go and Hyundai is hip and hot!
It’s interesting to me that they are so tight-lipped about it. You would think that they would like to generate more hype and anticipation. Does this mean that other car companies are further along with their EV efforts as well? Will an EV revolution hit us by surprise?
Ah, but how about an electric Santa Fe or Tucson? As someone with kids and sporting gear to shift back and forth to the cottage every weekend, that’s what I’m waiting for.
This is great news. Hyundai has great looking cars, I hope they don’t botch the design like – seemingly – Toyota with the new Prius, making it resembling the Mirai (see the AutoBlog/green article about the spy shots).