Hyundai to Double Hybrid Model Count Amid BEV Slowdown

Hyundai is going to double the amount of gas-hybrid models it brings to market and introduce battery-electric models with internal-combustion-engine range-extending generators in response to a global slowdown in BEV sales.

Announcing the automaker’s new Hyundai Way strategy, president and CEO Jaehoon Chang also spells out increased efforts in hydrogen fuel-cell development during the rest of the decade and expanding applications to marine, rail and public transport.

The strategy will see the automaker’s group brands, including the premium Genesis nameplate, offer 14 self-charging hybrids up from the current seven models.

Hyundai’s shift toward hybrid powertrains comes as the European Automobile Manufacturers Assn. reports July vehicle sales, while rising just 0.2%, reveal a marked consumer demand transition away from BEVs, with sales falling 10.8%, and toward hybrid vehicles which see a 25.7% surge.

The trend was particularly notable in the recognized BEV early-adopter market of Germany where BEV new-car sales crashed 37%.

In a company statement, Chang says: “In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments. Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.”

The extended-range BEVs, dubbed EREVs by the automaker, will employ the range advantages of ICE purely to charge the battery pack and the powertrain will be available in both two- and all-wheel drive forms.

Hyundai claims its new system will allow a maximum total range of more than 560 miles (902 km) between refueling/charging.

It plans to begin mass production of EREV models in both North America and China by the end of 2026, with vehicles coming to market in 2027. In North America, the company will initially launch D-segment SUV models of Hyundai and Genesis brands to meet the remaining demand for ICE products, with a target of more than 80,000 sales.

To compete in the price-war market conditions in China, Hyundai plans an entry-level C-segment platform, hoping to achieve more than 30,000 sales.

Despite the current BEV slowdown, the automaker also plans to increase its all-electric model range by 2030 with the launch of 21 new models across all segments.

Its self-charging hybrid models will feature the company’s next-generation TMED-II system. This system is slated for integration into production vehicles which will be equipped with smart regenerative braking and vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging capabilities.