Hyundai launches EO compact SUV in China, seeking comeback in world's largest EV market

Priced starting at RMB 119,800 ($16,870), the Hyundai EO will compete against models including the BYD Yuan Plus and Geely Galaxy E5.

The Hyundai EO stands as one of the few highly anticipated EV models launched by South Korean automakers in China over the past few years.

Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture between Hyundai Motor and BAIC Motor in China, has launched the EO compact SUV (sport utility vehicle) at competitive pricing, aiming to make a comeback in the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

The Hyundai EO was officially launched today with a starting price of RMB 119,800 ($16,870), representing a RMB 10,200 (7.85 percent) reduction from its RMB 130,000 pre-sales price earlier this month.

Previously known as the Hyundai Elexio, the model marks Beijing Hyundai's first pure-electric SUV, designed to spearhead the joint venture's counteroffensive in China.

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Specifically, it offers three variants: Fun, Smart, and Tech, priced at RMB 119,800, RMB 129,800, and RMB 149,800 respectively.

Its primary competitors include BYD's (HKG: 1211) Yuan Plus and Geely Auto's (HKG: 0175) Geely Galaxy E5, both of which are hot-sellers in China.

The BYD Yuan Plus ranges from RMB 115,800 to RMB 145,800, while the Geely Galaxy E5 spans RMB 109,800 to RMB 145,800.

The Hyundai EO is built on Hyundai's E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,698 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

It features a front motor delivering a maximum power of 160 kW (215 horsepower) and peak torque of 310 Nm.

The top-tier Tech variant offers an all-wheel-drive option, boosting combined peak power to 233 kW.

The Hyundai EO comes standard with a 64.2-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a CLTC range of 540 kilometers.

An optional larger 88.112-kWh LFP battery pack is available, extending the CLTC range to 722 kilometers.

The vehicle supports fast charging, enabling a charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in 27 minutes.

The Hyundai EO stands as one of the rare, highly anticipated EV models launched by a South Korean automaker in China in recent years, following Japanese manufacturers' increased bets over the past year.

Japanese automakers, including Nissan and Toyota, have rolled out several EV models in China at aggressive pricing and have already achieved notable results.