We are finally getting our first look at the IONIQ 2, the smaller sibling to the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Hyundai is expected to reveal the new EV next month, but after it was spotted driving near its tech center, we are already getting a sneak peek. Check it out for yourself in the video below.
First look at the Hyundai IONIQ 2 reveals new low-cost EV
Hyundai is betting on more affordable EVs to drive growth. It’s already finding success with the Inster EV, its cheapest electric car.
Hyundai is preparing to introduce another low-cost EV as part of its expanding IONIQ lineup. The IONIQ 2 will sit between the Inster EV and Hyundai Kona Electric in an increasingly popular segment.
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Hyundai is expected to introduce the IONIQ 2 next month at the Munich Motor Show, with sales set to begin in mid-2026.
Although we caught a glimpse of a camouflaged model last month in a South Korean parking lot, a new video reveals the IONIQ 2 testing on the road.
The video from CarSpyMedia offers a good look at the new EV from all angles. As with the EV2, the IONIQ 2 will feature a taller, more SUV-like profile.
It’s still covered, but you can expect to see new design elements, such as redesigned LED headlights, featured on the new IONIQ 6.
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)
The interior will undergo a “step change” from current models, according to Autocar, with new software, features, and an updated infotainment system.
The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Source: Hyundai)
Like most Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles, the IONIQ 2 will be based on its E-GMP platform. It will likely be offered with different battery pack options, similar to the Kia EV3. The EV3 is available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, providing WLTP range of 267 miles and 372 miles respectively.
You can also expect it to share parts and similar styling to Kia’s upcoming EV2. The EV2 is scheduled to go on sale a few months ahead of the IONIQ 2.
Kia EV3 Air in Frost Blue (Source: Kia UK)
Hyundai has yet to announce the price range, but it’s likely to start at around 30,000 euros ($35,400), which is slightly less than the Kia EV3’s price of 35,990 euros ($42,500).
Unfortunately, the IONIQ 2 is not expected to launch in the US. Hyundai is doubling down on SUVs after ramping output of the three-row IONIQ 9 and 2025 IONIQ 5 at its Georgia EV plant.
Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, is gearing up to launch its next-generation electric vehicles. An Electrek reader shared an image (shown below) of a few new camouflaged models testing in Europe.
New Hyundai vehicles testing in France (Source: X user/ @Kenneth91250415)
The vehicle on the left, spotted in France last week, appears to be the new Hyundai Staria electric van. Given the distinctive two-line LED headlights, the vehicle at the front is likely a Genesis model.
Although it’s hard to tell, it appears to be the new GV90, an ultra-luxury Genesis electric SUV. Hyundai’s luxury brand is upscaling its lineup with the new full-size SUV serving as its new flagship model. The GV90 is expected to go head-to-head with the Mercedes G-Wagen. Last month, we got our first look at the GV90 with coach doors, giving off the Rolls Royce feel. It’s expected to arrive around mid-2026.
What do you think of the IONIQ 2? Would you buy one for around $35,000? Or, are you waiting for the ultra-luxe Genesis GV90? Drop us a comment below.
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Inflation is back, with prices rising 2.7% compared to last year (and that doesn’t include food, fuel, or rent, which are up even more), which is objectively bad. But it’s not true that everything is getting more expensive. These inflation-busting EVs are heading into 2026 with prices that are lower than they were in 2025!
There’s plenty of reasons for prices to go up or down in a market – everything from tariffs and taxes and increased domestic production to changes in inflation or even just a manufacturerwillingness to take a smaller profit on per-unit sales in order to drive volume. There’s a little bit of all of that happening in the American EV market this year, especially in the face of the expiring Federal EV tax credit that kind of makes most EVs cost $7,500 more than they would have otherwise.
That said, as I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present these MY26 price cuts. “Best deals?” Too opinion-based. “Biggest discounts by percentage?” Too much math. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. Enjoy!
Cadillac OPTIQ
Cadillac OPTIQ; via GM.
Cadillac is the industry’s luxury EV leader these days – and for good reason. Its electric crossovers are good-looking, have long range, great acceleration, and ultra-fast charging. Heck, they can even power your home in a pinch.
Silverado EV hauling a John Deere tractor; via GM.
Chevy is crushing it right now. After setting EV range records and surpassing Ford in EV sales this semmer, Chevy is now the fastest-growing domestic EV brand in the US – and they’re seemingly intent on keeping that momentum into 2026 with a more affordable WT trim level that starts at $54,895, compared to $57,095 for the ’25 WT Standard Range.
Despite being objectively capable, technologically-advanced, and supremely luxurious long-range electric vehicles, the Mercedes EQS and EQS SUVs were saddled with a somewhat anonymous, jellybean-like styling language that’s seen the flagship EVs struggle to find a foothold in the ultra-luxury segment they inhabit.
Even with those upgrades, the new and improved 2026 Toyota bZ is cheaper than the outgoing bZ4X, starting at $34,900 – or $2,170 less than the outgoing model.
Disclaimer: the prices above were sourced from CarsDirect, Motor1, and a number OEM websites. All offers were current as of 07SEP2025, and all links provided are from trusted affiliates. These prices may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Sennebogen’s new 824 G Electro Battery material handler is being put through its paces at a recycling site in Munich’s Aubing district. And, thanks to its innovative grid-connected/battery system, it never has to stop to recharge!
With its emphasis on the recycling of stainless steel, ferroalloys, and superalloys, CRONIMET Alpha’s recycling operations are loud, and adding the ceaseless drone of diesel engines straining against the mass of all that metal as it’s sorted and fed into bailing presses. That’s why the company was so excited to test out Sennebogen’s new, all-electric 824 G Electro Battery material handler during an extensive trial at its Munich site.
So far, CRONIMET’s operators have been impressed with the new Sennebogen. “The battery-powered machine drives just like a diesel-powered one,” explains equipment operator Zoran Alexsic. “You don’t notice any difference in power – only that everything runs much more smoothly and quietly … you don’t have to take breaks to escape the noise.”
Quiet, but powerful
824 G Electro Battery; via Sennebogen.
The Sennebogen 824 G comes standard with a 98 kWh battery, but operators can install up to four modular packs for a total of 392 kWh and roughly eight hours of runtime. Even with a single pack—good for 1.5 to 3 hours—the machine can keep CRONIMET’s operations running almost nonstop, thanks to its built-in dual power mode.
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Sennebogen’s dual power mode enables the 824 G to run on battery while drawing power from the grid at the same time. When connected to grid power, the machine can recharge its batteries as it works, eliminating the downtime other BEVs need for charging and giving operators the freedom to reposition the machine on battery power, then plug back in when convenient.
Beyond flexibility, the electric handler is also cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective than the diesel models it’s designed to replace. By seamlessly cycling between battery and grid power, it reduces both noise on the job site and energy costs during peak hours.
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MINI has partnered with lifestyle brand, Deus Ex Machina, to develop this. It’s called the Skeg, and it’s a high-performance, racing-inspired electric concept car that’s sure to lighten the mood – by shedding fully 15% of its mass in the quest for speed.
One of a pair of exclusive, one-off concepts based on MINI’s John Cooper Works cars. The Deus Ex Machina Skeg celebrates MINI’s storied racing history with what the company calls, “a clean, minimal, and quiet rebellion,” that draws on materials, technologies, and philosophies from the world of surfing.
The electric MINI JCW Skeg is stripped to its essentials, with much of the steel and aluminum bits replaced with lightweight fiberglass to maximize acceleration while driving the minimalist aesthetic home. The end result weighs 15% less than the standard car – but makes the same stout 190 kW (258 hp) as the production car.
Surf’s up
MINI Skeg concept interior; via BMW.
The interior is stripped back to the barest essentials, reflecting BMW’s vision of a surf culture that prioritizes function over form. MINI claims the end result resembles a mobile surf shop, with fiberglass trays for wetsuits, specially shaped bins, neoprene seats, and other touches that “bring the surf culture into the interior.”
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For their part, the BMW and MINI styling team seems pretty proud of its minimalistic electric endeavor. “In this extraordinary collaboration … every single detail has been crafted with artisanal precision and expertise,” says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design. “This has resulted in unique characters that are clearly perceived as belonging together through their distinctive design language and use of graphics.”
The concept retains the production version’s 54.2 kWh li-ion battery pack, up to 250 of WLTP range with the production aero kit, sprints from 0-100 km (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds. With 15% less mass, though, that should jump to more than 255 miles, with 0-60 times dropping below 5.5 seconds.
I dig it – but I’d skip the surf bits and just appreciate the raw composite, minimalist interior look for what it is. Take a look at the image gallery, below, then let us know what you think of MINI’s Skeg concept in the comments.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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