Hyundai’s New Elexio Electric SUV Could be Sold Overseas
Hyundai’s new Elexio electric SUV, which is manufactured in China, has the potential to be sold in overseas markets. The CEO of Hyundai Australia has expressed optimism about the vehicle, calling it “a promising vehicle” that could help the company regain market share from competitors like Tesla and BYD.
The Elexio SUV is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Hyundai’s joint venture with BAIC in China, Beijing Hyundai. After being unveiled for the first time in May, Hyundai is gearing up to launch the new Elexio in China within the next few weeks.
Recent reports suggest that Hyundai’s new electric SUV may also make its way to overseas markets, including Australia. Don Romano, the CEO of Hyundai Australia, admitted that the company has not focused enough on electric vehicles in the past, leading to poor performance in the EV market. However, Romano is determined to improve the situation by boosting marketing efforts and supporting the dealership network that started selling IONIQ EV models just over a year ago.
During a recent launch event for the new IONIQ 9, Romano hinted at the possibility of the Elexio SUV arriving in Australia. He described the vehicle as “promising,” although he acknowledged that there are still hurdles to overcome in terms of market fit and pricing.
Romano revealed that a final decision on bringing the Elexio to Australia is expected within the next 60 to 90 days. In addition to the Elexio, Hyundai Australia is also considering launching the IONIQ 2, a smaller and more affordable EV to complement the existing lineup.
The introduction of these new electric vehicles would help Hyundai compete more effectively in Australia and other overseas markets where the company has been struggling to keep up with rivals in the transition to electric mobility. As of June 2025, Hyundai has only sold 853 EVs in Australia, whereas Tesla, BYD, and even Kia have achieved much higher sales figures.
The Elexio electric SUV, based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, boasts a driving range of up to 435 miles (700 km) and has performed well in global crash tests. Scheduled for launch in China in the third quarter of 2025, the pricing is expected to start at around 140,000 yuan ($19,500).
Hyundai’s foray into the electric SUV market with the Elexio could be a significant step in the company’s efforts to establish a stronger presence in the global electric vehicle market. Stay tuned for more updates on Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup and their potential expansion into overseas markets.
