Hyundai’s first electric SUV for China looks pretty impressive in person [Images]

The EO is set to “write a new chapter” for Hyundai as it looks to compete with BYD, Geely, and others in China. Hyundai’s first dedicated electric SUV is now available in China with pre-sale prices starting under $20,000. Here’s a closer look at it in person.

Hyundai’s first electric SUV arrives in China

Beijing Hyundai, the South Korean automaker’s joint venture with BAIC, opened pre-sales for the new EO this week, starting at just 130,000 yuan, or about $18,300.

The SUV is Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle in China, custom-tailored for Chinese buyers with advanced new tech, features, and a completely new look from the IONIQ series sold in the US, Europe, and other global markets.

Like the EV5, which is fueling a full-on recovery for Kia in China, the EO is expected to be a cornerstone of Hyundai’s comeback in the region.

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Although we’ve seen plenty of pictures and videos of the EO (formerly the Elexio) after its official debut in May, new images of Hyundai’s EO electric SUV captured on the streets in South Korea give us a better look.

The photos, posted by Korean auto blogger ShortsCar, offer a good look at the electric SUV from all angles. Although you can see Hyundai pulled a few design elements from its IONIQ models, like Parametric Pixel Lights and a full-length LED light bar, this vehicle is clearly unique.

Hyundai partnered with leading Chinese companies, like BYD and Huawei, to offer the latest smart tech and features.

The EO is available in three trims: Fun, Smart, or Tech, with pre-sale prices ranging from 130,000 yuan ($18,300) to 150,000 yuan ($21,000).

It’s still based on the same E-GMP platform, which underpins all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9), but it draws power from two LFP batteries from BYD’s battery business, FinDream.

Buyers can choose from a 64.2 kWh or 88.112 kWh battery pack, offering CLTC driving ranges of up to 540 km (335 miles) and 722 km (448 miles). Hyundai said it can recharge from 30% to 80% in 27 minutes.

Hyundai offers the EO in single or dual-motor powertrains. The single motor version features a front-mounted electric motor with 160 kW (215 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. The AWD variant has a combined output of 233 kW (312 hp).

The EO is 4,615 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,698 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, or slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s roughly the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold as the Atto 3 overseas) SUV.

BYD’s Yuan Plus is priced slightly less, starting at just 115,800 yuan. However, that’s for the entry-level model with a CLTC range of 430 km (267 miles). Upgrading to the extended range version, which offers 510 km (317 miles) CLTC range, costs 119,800 yuan ($16,800).

Can Hyundai’s first dedicated electric SUV in China compete with BYD, Geely, XPeng, Leapmotor, and others leading the world’s largest EV market? Let us know what you think of the EO in the comments below.

Although Hyundai doesn’t offer an EV for under $20,000 in the US (or any automaker), the IONIQ 5 is still one of the most affordable EVs you can get your hands on. If you’re interested in taking one for a test drive, you can use our link to find Hyundai IONIQ 5 models in your area.