Affordable Performance EVs Are Top Priority, Declares Hyundai N Boss

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a great electric vehicle, but the version we really want to drive is the Ioniq 5 N. After all, it makes more than 600 hp and can hit 60 mph in the low-three-second range while also behaving like a “corner rascal” on the track. We’re just not under any illusion that any Jalopnik staffers will actually be able to afford one. Performance EVs are pricey. Unless Hyundai’s Albert Biermann has his way, that is.

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CarBuzz reports that while speaking to a group of journalists, Biermann was asked about making more affordable alternatives to the Ioniq 5 N that are still fun to drive but don’t break the bank.

“Of course, we would like to do that,” he said before adding, “[Hyundai N is] intensely looking. What do we have in the pocket, and how do we make a fun machine out of what we have? This process [has been] going on intensely for quite some time because, for me, the most important thing is to come up with this smaller, more affordable [electric] N car.”

That’s all well and good, but as CarBuzz points out, the N division doesn’t develop its cars from scratch. Whether we’re talking about the Elantra N, Ioniq 5 N or Kona N, they’re all based on a car that Hyundai already sells. So if the N division is going to offer an affordable EV that’s fun to drive, Hyundai first needs to come up with an affordable EV for Biermann’s team to modify. Ioniq 2 when, Hyundai?

That said, we may not have to wait long to at least see a concept that showcases what Biermann has in mind for an affordable electric N car. “We need this smaller segment N car, and for the rest of my term with the Hyundai Motor Group, this is my absolute priority number one — to come up with a concept for a car or two cars … where we can deliver the true N car in a more affordable segment but with the same level of fun or even higher level of driving fun,” Biermann continued.

So we’re not exactly holding our breath waiting on the first somewhat affordable electric N car, but at the same time, it’s refreshing to hear an executive talk about bringing the price down on EV fun. And hopefully, Biermann is able to convince the rest of the executives that these future concepts are actually worth pursuing.