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From the left: Ioniq 6, Ioniq 7, Ioniq 5. (provided by Hyundai Motor)

Hyundai Motor has selected “Ioniq” as the name for its first brand incorporating a platform that exclusively features fully electric vehicles.

The Ioniq brand logo. (provided by Hyundai Motor)

Hyundai Motor announced on Aug. 10 that it would be launching three Ioniq models between 2021 and 2024 using the fully electric vehicle-dedicated platform E-GMP. The name “Ioniq” comes from a combination of the word “ion,” referring to an electrically charged particle, and the word “unique.” It’s the same name used by the automaker for its exclusive eco-friendly model first launched in 2016.

“The previous Ioniq models were developed with an internal combustion engine platform and will not be included in the new brand,” a Hyundai Motor official said.

The Ioniq 5, the first new model under the Ioniq brand, is to be launched next year. It is a compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) based on the 45 concept car unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its design reflects a modern reinterpretation of the Pony Coupe, a concept car produced in 1974. The Ioniq 6, a midsize sedan, is to be launched in 2022, followed by the Ioniq 7, a full-size SUV, in 2024. As with Kia’s K series, the number increases with the vehicle size.

A full range of new technologies are also being brought out for what is expected to be the first head-to-head contest for dedicated electric vehicles. Hyundai Motor explained that the vehicles in its Ioniq series can be charged within 20 minutes and travel 450km on a single charge. Interior space is also maximized with the elimination of engine room. The Hyundai Motor Group has finalized plans to launch five total EV-dedicated models, including one Genesis and one Kia model. In a New Year’s address this year, Hyundai Executive Vice chairman Chung Eui-sun announced plans to launch 11 total EV-dedicated models by 2025.

By Lee Jae-yeon, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

Caption: From the left: Ioniq 6, Ioniq 7, Ioniq 5. (provided by Hyundai Motor)