Hyundai opens IONIQ 3 EV orders, starting at about $30,000

Hyundai has opened orders for the IONIQ 3, a new compact electric hatchback, starting at roughly $30,000. But this is a UK and Europe launch only—the car is built for that market and isn't coming to the United States, so it's not something US homeowners will be able to buy or use to offset home charging plans.

The entry Advance trim comes with a 42 kWh battery and about 213 miles of range (using the European WLTP test, which tends to read higher than real-world US mileage). Stepping up to a 61 kWh battery pushes range to about 308 miles, with prices rising toward $42,700 for the top N-Line Evo trim. Fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 29 to 30 minutes, depending on the pack. The car also has Vehicle-to-Load, or V2L, capability, meaning it can power outside devices or equipment directly from its battery—a feature increasingly common on EVs that can double as backup power.

For US readers thinking about an EV to pair with home solar or a charger, Hyundai's comparable US option remains the IONIQ 5, built at its Georgia plant and starting around $35,000. Kia, Hyundai's sister brand, has also just launched a US version of its EV3 starting near $29,890. If you're weighing an EV purchase alongside home upgrades like a charger or solar, those two remain the realistic domestic options rather than the IONIQ 3 itself.