Hyundai debuts Ioniq 9 with swivel seats to turn your 3-row SUV into a lounge
Hyundai has officially debuted its Ioniq 9 in advance of the LA Auto Show, with a concept car-like interior that lets you swivel the 2nd row seats and turn your car into a living room.
We’ve been hearing about the Ioniq 9 for some time now, and the time has finally come for its release.
In an event in advance of the LA Auto Show, starting this Friday and with a media preview day tomorrow (which Electrek will be in attendance for), Hyundai showed off the Ioniq 9 which will officially be unveiled at the Auto Show (you can watch via livestream) on the morning of Nov 21st.
The car is what we expected – a large, 3-row SUV, much like the EV9, the Ioniq 9’s cousin that is built on the same platform by Hyundai’s sister company, Kia.
But it also has some features we didn’t expect – like a little more clarity on that “lounge-like” interior we heard about, which turns out not to just be marketing fluff at all. It actually is like a lounge, complete with la-z-boy style footrests and swiveling seats so you can face your friends. More on that in a bit.
The Ioniq 9 comes with a perhaps excessively-large 110.3kWh battery (that extra 300Wh makes a big difference), offering up to 335 miles of range on the Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels. 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available, we imagine with lower ranges.
The large battery will retain the E-GMP platform’s excellent DC charging performance, with the ability to charge from 10-80% in 24 minutes, assuming you’re connected to a capable charger (Hyundai says 350kW “under optimal conditions”).
The Long-Range model will have a 160kW (215hp) rear motor, and an additional 70kW (94hp) front motor if you get the AWD model. Performance AWD will be available with 160kW motors on both axles.
The long range RWD model will do 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 9.4 seconds, AWD in 6.7 seconds, and Performance AWD in 5.2 seconds (or, if you prefer 0-60, the Performance model can do it in 4.9).
The vehicle is large, as you’d expect out of a 3-row SUV, at 5,060mm (199.2in) long, 1,980mm (78in) wide and 1,790mm (70.5in) high. This is 2 inches longer than its sister car the EV9, and 1 inch less long than the Rivian R1S.
Exterior design keeps some of the design language of the (excellent) Ioniq 5, but larger and more rounded-off. In particular, it keeps some of the dot-matrix/pixel aesthetic of the lights.
I have to say I don’t love the roundedness of it – the design of the Ioniq 5 feels extremely consistent with a lot of straight lines throughout, whereas the rounded hood and extended rear end of the 9 spoil that consistency to some extent (and speaking of the rear… it almost seems a little hearse-like, to me).
Incidentally, with the Ioniq 5 and EV6, one is more boxy and the other is more rounded – and the same thing has happened with the Ioniq 9 and EV9, only in reverse. The Ioniq 9 is more rounded and the EV9 is more boxy. So, once again, these two similar vehicles have differentiated themselves enough that we expect the market will be split, with many customers liking one and disliking the other, meaning little cannibalization between the two.
The interior seems incredibly spacious, though so far we haven’t had a chance to experience it ourselves. Most 3-row SUVs in this size class do have somewhat cramped third rows, so we’re curious if Hyundai has managed to do some sort of magic in that respect.
And in addition to rear and frunk storage (with a frunk capable of holding 88L in RWD and 52L in AWD models), the center console offers a large amount of storage inside (18.2L, split between an upper and lower tray), and can be slid back and forth to allow easier movement between front or rear seats.
And speaking of magic, Hyundai has actually done something new here – an interior with swiveling middle seats, to turn the car into a lounge.
We’ve seen similar interiors on countless concept cars, but understandably they never make it to production. It’s definitely an attention-grabbing feature, but who really uses their vehicles like that?
Well, Hyundai thinks that people will, so it’s offered swiveling 2nd-row seats to allow for this. However, it says that these seats will be available “in selected markets only,” and it has declined to say exactly which markets those are yet. We also imagine this will only apply to the 6-seat configuration, rather than 7-seat.
The seats don’t just swivel though, they also recline and have a leg rest. Hyundai is calling these its “Relaxation Seats,” and the first and second row seats will both be capable of this feat. It says this will be particularly useful for people who want to get comfortable during vehicle charging (though, on an optimal 350kW charger, 24 minutes is hardly much time for a nap).
And that charging will be accomplished via a NACS port – making this, we think, the first non-Tesla vehicle to debut and be sold with only a NACS port at any time in the model’s existence. Other E-GMP vehicles are switching over to NACS, but the Ioniq 5 for example has been out for many years now, so there are lots of CCS Ioniq 5s out there, but that won’t be the case for the Ioniq 9.
Like other E-GMP vehicles, it will be able to discharge the battery via vehicle-to-load (V2L) to power devices, though we didn’t get clarity on how much total output it will have. Other E-GMP cars usually top out around 1.8kW, so enough to run some regular outlets, but not enough to power a house.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be available in Korea and the US in the first half of 2025, and then will come to Europe and other markets later. The US version will be built at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia – another example of a car brought to the US by the domestic sourcing provisions of President Biden’s EV push (and which could be put into Jeopardy if Dumb & Dumber get their way in attempting to kill this boon for US manufacturing).
We don’t have pricing or all tech specs yet, so stay tuned as there’s still more to come.
Also, you can watch the official debut livestream over at Hyundai’s website, starting at 9:10am PST November 21st. And Electrek will be at the LA Auto Show to ask around and see if we can get any lingering questions answered.
Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Believe it or not, you can lease an EV for under $200 a month. New deals on models like the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are hard to pass up this month.
Electric vehicles have been all over the news lately, with the Trump administration threatening to end federal incentives and introducing new tariffs that are expected to lead to higher prices.
On the positive side, new EV models are arriving, giving buyers more options and driving prices down. Many automakers reported record US electric car sales in the first three months of 2024.
GM remained the number two seller of EVs behind Tesla after sales doubled in Q1 2025. With the new Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs rolling out, Chevy is now the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is off to its best sales start since launching, with over 11,600 models sold in the first quarter.
With the 2025 models rolling out and about 15 new EVs arriving this year, many automakers are introducing steep discounts to move vehicles off the lot.
EVs for lease for under $200 a month in April
Although the decade-old Nissan LEAF remains one of the most affordable this April at just $149 per month, there are a few EVs under $200 right now that are worth taking a look at.
The new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ might be the best EV deal this month, with leases as low as $199. Hyundai is currently promoting a 24-month lease deal with $3,999 due at signing.
Hyundai upgraded the electric SUV with a bigger battery for more range (now up to 318 miles), a sleek new look inside and out, and it now comes with an NACS port so you can charge it at Tesla Superchargers.
The offer is for the IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range, which has a driving range of up to 245 miles. For just $229 a month, you can snag the SE RWD model, which has a range of up to 318 miles and a more powerful (225 horsepower) electric motor. It’s also a 24-month lease with $3,999 due at signing.
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger with the purchase or lease of any 2024 or 2025 IONIQ 5. If you already have one, you can opt for a $400 public charging credit.
After slashing lease prices this month, the 2025 Nissan Ariya is actually cheaper than the LEAF in some regions. In Southern California, the 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD is listed at just $129 per month. The AWD model has a range of up to 272 miles.
The deal is for 36 months, with $4,409 due at signing. In April, Nissan cut Ariya lease prices to around $239 in most other parts of the country.
Kia has a few EVs available to lease for under $200 a month in April. The 2025 Kia Niro EV Wind is listed at just $129 for 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. Kia’s crossover SUV has EPA-estimated range of 253 miles.
The 2024 EV6 may be worth considering at just $179 for 24 months ($3,999 due at signing). In California, the EV6 Light Long Range RWD is only slightly more than the Niro Wind.
In most other parts of the country, you can still find the EV6 for under $200 a month. The Light Long Range RWD trim offers up to 310 miles of EPA-estimated range.
| Lease Price | Term (months) |
Amount Due at Signing | Driving Range | |
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | $199 | 24 | $3,999 | 245 miles |
| 2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Rang RWD | $179 | 24 | $3,999 | 310 miles |
| 2024 Kia Niro EV Wind | $129 | 24 | $3,999 | 253 miles |
| 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD | $129 | 36 | $4,409 | 272 miles |
| 2025 Nissan LEAF S FWD | $149 | 36 | $2,629 | 149 miles |
| 2024 Fiat 500 INSPI(RED) | $199 | 24 | $2,999 | 149 miles |
And don’t forget the 2024 Fiat 500e, which is now listed at just $199 for 24 months with $2,999 due at signing. The electric hatchback offers a range of up to 149 miles.
If you are looking to spend a little more, check out our list of EVs you can lease for under $300 a month.
Ready to snag the savings while they are still here? At under $200 a month, some of these EV lease deals are hard to pass up right now. Check out our links below to find deals in your area.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
![The US’s first solar panels over canals pilot is now online [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Project-Nexus-solar-canal.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Project Nexus, the first solar panel canopies over irrigation canals in the US, is now online in California, and there are plans to expand the project to other areas.
Project Nexus is a $20 million pilot in central California’s Turlock Irrigation District launched in October 2022. The project team is exploring solar over canal design, deployment, and co-benefits using canal infrastructure and the electrical grid.
India already has solar panels over canals, but Project Nexus is the first of its kind in the US.
The Turlock Irrigation District was the first irrigation district formed in California in 1887. It provides irrigation water to 4,700 growers who farm around 150,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley.
Project Nexus will explore whether the solar panels reduce water evaporation as a result of midday shade and wind mitigation, create improvements to water quality through reduced vegetative growth, reduce canal maintenance as a result of reduced vegetative growth, and, of course, generate renewable electricity.
The California Department of Water Resources, utility company Turlock Irrigation District, Marin County, California-based water and energy project developer Solar AquaGrid, and The University of California, Merced, are partnering on the pilot. Project Nexus originated from a 2021 research project led by UC Merced alumna and project scientist Brandi McKuin.
Solar panels were installed at two sites over both wide- and narrow-span sections of Turlock Irrigation District canals in Stanislaus County, in various orientations. The sections range from 20 feet wide to 100 feet wide. University of California, Merced has positioned research equipment at both sites to collect baseline data so the researchers can decide where solar will work and where it won’t.
In February 2023, Project Nexus announced it would also deploy long-term iron flow battery storage in the form of two ESS 75kW turnkey “Energy Warehouse” batteries.
You can learn more about Project Nexus here:
Read more: In a US first, California will pilot solar-panel canopies over canals
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports12 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway