Pre-Orders for New EVs Heat up
Automakers are scrambling to draw attention to their new electric vehicles even before they hit the market as government subsidies for the vehicles are expected to fall short of demand this year.
Hyundai on Monday started taking pre-orders for electric versions of its Kona compact SUV and Ioniq hatchback.
The Kona, which is scheduled for release in the first half of this year, is expected to be priced at W43 million to W48 million but will be available for around W20 million to W30 million with government subsidies and tax breaks (US$1=W1,064).
The Ioniq was the bestselling electric car in the domestic market last year with sales of 7,932 units. A new version will be released in the first half.
GM Korea also began taking pre-orders for the Volt EV, which can travel 383 km on a single charge.
As only 600 units of the car were available in Korea when it was released in March last year, they sold out two hours after pre-orders began. This year, some 5,000 units will be available here.