Hyundai Unveils Its First, Most Affordable Electric SUV & It’s a Game Changer

Hyundai is gearing up to disrupt the affordable electric vehicle segment with its latest mid-size SUV, the Hyundai EO. Priced at under $30,000 (AUD equivalent) in China, this model could become the South Korean automaker’s most accessible EV yet.

With test vehicles already spotted in Sydney, there’s growing speculation that Australia could soon see Hyundai’s budget-friendly electric SUV on local roads.

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Affordable Electric Power with Premium DNA

Developed through Hyundai’s joint venture with BAIC Motor (Beijing Hyundai), the EO represents the brand’s first dedicated EV built in China. Despite its price tag, the SUV borrows heavily from Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the same advanced architecture powering the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6.

The EO has been launched in China with three trims (Fun, Smart, and Tech), with prices starting from around A$28,200 and topping out at A$32,500. Early buyers also get added perks like cash subsidies, home chargers, and exclusive colours.

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Performance and Range

• Single-motor (FWD): 160 kW / 310 Nm
• Dual-motor (AWD): 233 kW combined output
• Battery Options: 64.2 kWh or 88.1 kWh LFP (from BYD-owned FinDreams)
• Range (CLTC): 540 km to 722 km
• Fast Charging: 30% to 80% in just 27 minutes

With a length of 4,615 mm, it sits close to the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV5 in size, positioning it squarely within Australia’s competitive mid-size EV segment.

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Interior, Features, and Market Outlook

The Hyundai EO features a minimalist interior with a 27-inch centre display, flush door handles, and regen braking paddle shifters. While the cabin design diverges from the IONIQ lineup, it maintains a high-tech, modern aesthetic aimed at younger buyers.

Hyundai Australia has yet to officially confirm the EO’s local launch. However, Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano recently described it as “a promising vehicle under evaluation.”

The sighting of a test unit in Sydney further hints that Hyundai could introduce the EO to local showrooms as early as late 2025 or early 2026, possibly positioned between the Kona Electric and the IONIQ 5.