Hyundai is pausing production of this electric SUV, but promises the EV will return

The Kona EV will not be available for the 2026 model year, but Hyundai says the electric SUV is not gone for good. Until then, it will still offer 2025 models.

Hyundai Kona EV skips 2026 model year, returns in 2027

Not another one! Hyundai is reportedly temporarily halting Kona EV production as it works to unload 2025 models.

A Hyundai spokesperson confirmed the plans to Car and Driver, saying, “There is adequate stock of 2025 model year Kona Electric to manage consumer demand for the model at this time.”

Don’t worry, the compact electric SUV will make a return. The company spokesperson said, “Kona Electric production will return after a short hiatus, with assembly scheduled to resume this June as a 2027 model year.”

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While it didn’t specify why it’s pausing production, Hyundai’s EV sales have slowed, like those of most automakers, after the $7,500 federal tax credit expired at the end of September.

Killing off the tax credit pulled forward demand and “temporarily disrupted the market,” Hyundai Motor North America’s president and CEO, Randy Parker, said in November. Parker previously said he is confident the EV market will reset.

Despite setting a new January sales record in the US last month, Hyundai’s EV sales didn’t fare as well. Sales of the IONIQ 5 fell 6% to 2,126, IONIQ 6 sales dropped 61% to just 344 units, and Hyundai sold another 580 IONIQ 9 models in January.

Hyundai doesn’t break down Kona sales by powertrain, but combined sales (EV, HEV, and ICE) rose 22% last month from January 2025.

The announcement comes after Volkswagen revealed similar plans for the electric ID.Buzz in December. VW is also skipping the 2026 model year for the ID.Buzz with plans to bring it back in 2027.

Kia has also indefinitely delayed a few EVs that were destined for the US, including the EV4, due to new US auto tariffs and other policy changes.

While the Kona EV is on pause, recent sightings in South Korea (you can see them here) suggest the electric SUV is undergoing a complete overhaul. Local reports suggest Hyundai is skipping a mid-cycle refresh and will introduce a revamped Kona that takes influence from the Crater Concept showcased at last year’s LA Auto Show.