The South Korean automaker may have found its answer to BYD and others in China. Hyundai opened pre-sales for the EO, its first electric SUV built in China, at just 130,000 yuan, or about $18,300.
Hyundai opens pre-sales for the new EO electric SUV
Hyundai’s joint venture in China with BAIC, Beijing Hyundai, opened pre-sales for the EO on Thursday, starting at 130,000 yuan ($18,300).
The EO is Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle in China and is expected to be a cornerstone of the automaker’s comeback in the region.
Before its official debut in May, speculation rose that the electric SUV could be the IONIQ 4 after Beijing Hyundai released “spy photos” of a camouflaged prototype. However, once the wraps came off, it was pretty apparent that Hyundai’s new electric SUV was designed specifically for buyers in China.
The EO is available in three trims: Fun, Smart, and Tech with prices ranging from 130,000 yuan ($18,300) to 150,000 yuan ($21,000).
For a limited time, Beijing Hyundai is offering a package worth 12,000 yuan ($1,700) to those who place an 88 yuan ($12.35) deposit. Added benefits include a 5,000 yuan cash subsidy, exclusive body colors, reduced insurance rates, a home charging station, and more.
Like Hyundai’s IONIQ EV models, the EO is based on the E-GMP platform. It’s offered with two LFP battery pack options: 64.2 kWh and 88.112 kWh, offering CLTC ranges of 540 km (335 miles) and 722 km (448 miles).
The EO is offered with 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). Hyundai said the EO can recharge from 30% to 80% in 27 minutes.
Measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,698 mm in height, Hyundai’s electric SUV is about the size of the BYD Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).
BYD still has Hyundai beat with Yuan Plus prices starting at just 115,800 yuan ($16,300). The base Yuan Plus has a CLTC range of 430 km (267 miles), while the larger battery pack (60.48 kWh) offers up to 510 km (317 miles) range.
Although the EO is tailored for buyers in China, Hyundai Australia’s CEO, Don Romano, hinted that the electric SUV could arrive in overseas markets. Romano told journalists (via EV Central) in August that launching the EO is “under evaluation,” adding “it’s definitely a promising vehicle.” However, a final decision has yet to be made.
While Hyundai doesn’t offer an EV for under $20,000 in the US, it did recently reduce prices on the 2026 IONIQ 5 considerably.
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now starts at under $35,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the US. The price cut comes after the $7,500 US federal tax credit expired on September 30. Meanwhile, Hyundai is making up for it by offering up to $11,750 in lease cash on 2025 models.
It’s not the EO, but for those in the US, if you’re interested in testing out Hyundai’s electric SUV for yourself, you can use our link to find IONIQ 5 models available in your area (trusted affiliate link).
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
