As US Tariffs Hit EVs, Hyundai Discontinues Its Cheapest IONIQ 6, While Kia Delays EV6 adn EV9 GT

Hyundai Shocks EV Market: Ioniq 6 Axed After Three Years, Only Performance Model Remains

In a surprising and controversial move, Hyundai has announced it is discontinuing the most affordable versions of its Ioniq 6 electric sedan after just three years on the market. The decision, which leaves only the high-performance Ioniq 6 N trim available, has sent shockwaves through the electric vehicle industry and raised fresh questions about the future of affordable EVs in the United States.

The Ioniq 6, launched in 2022, quickly became a darling of automotive critics thanks to its sleek design, impressive range, and—most importantly—its accessible price point. It was seen as a breakthrough model that could bring electric driving to a wider audience. But now, Hyundai is pulling the plug on the very trims that made it so appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

According to Cars.com, the move is driven by a combination of disappointing sales and the looming specter of import tariffs. Hyundai sold 10,478 Ioniq 6 models in 2025, a 15% drop from the previous year. The vehicle is manufactured in South Korea, making it vulnerable to high import duties that have made it less competitive in the U.S. market.

While the standard Ioniq 6 is being shelved, Hyundai will continue to produce the Ioniq 6 N, a high-performance variant that boasts blistering acceleration and cutting-edge technology. However, this model comes with a significantly higher price tag—putting it out of reach for many of the buyers who were drawn to the original lineup.

The timing of this decision is particularly striking. Just last month, Hyundai’s earlier Ioniq 5 model saw sales surge by 14% in the first two months of 2026, with 5,365 units sold. Meanwhile, Ioniq 6 sales plummeted by a staggering 77% in February, with only 229 units sold. This stark contrast underscores the shifting dynamics in the EV market and the challenges facing automakers as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Kia, Hyundai’s sister brand, is facing similar headwinds. The EV6 and EV9 models both saw sales decline by more than 40% in recent months. A Kia spokesperson told Car and Driver that the 2025 EV6 GT and 2026 EV9 GT have been delayed indefinitely due to “changing market conditions,” though other trims remain available.

The ripple effects of these decisions are being felt across the industry. Kia had already announced delays for its upcoming EV4, an entry-level sedan that was expected to debut in the U.S. this year. The EV4’s postponement is particularly notable given that it was seen as a key vehicle for expanding EV adoption among mainstream buyers.

Industry analysts point to the Trump administration’s import tariffs and broader policy shifts as major factors behind these moves. Automakers like Kia and Hyundai are now hesitant to bring new EVs to the U.S. market, fearing that tariffs and other trade barriers will erode their competitiveness. The Ioniq 6, EV6 GT, and EV9 GT now join a growing list of models that have been postponed or canceled altogether.

This trend is especially concerning for advocates of affordable electric vehicles. As automakers focus on high-margin, high-performance models, the options for budget-conscious buyers are rapidly shrinking. The Ioniq 6’s demise is a stark reminder that the road to mass EV adoption is fraught with obstacles—and that the dream of an affordable, accessible electric future may be slipping further out of reach.

For now, the EV market is in a state of flux. With tariffs, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer preferences all playing a role, it’s unclear what the future holds. One thing is certain: the era of the affordable, mass-market electric sedan may be coming to an end—at least for now.

Tags: #Hyundai #Ioniq6 #ElectricVehicles #EVs #TariffImpact #AutomotiveNews #AffordableEVs #Kia #EV6 #EV9 #Ioniq5 #GreenTech #AutoIndustry #MarketTrends #TariffCrisis #EVSales #PerformanceEVs #ElectricSedan #USMarket #ImportTariffs

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