Hyundai sparks Türkiye electric revolution with first local EV

Hyundai is set to begin production of its first electric vehicle (EV) in Türkiye in the second half of 2026, a move the company describes as a milestone for the brand.

The electric model will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Izmit plant, making the company Türkiye’s second EV producer after the local brand Togg, according to Daily Sabah.

Earlier reports indicated that Hyundai would start producing its recently unveiled Concept THREE in Türkiye in 2026. Concept THREE was first showcased at the IAA Mobility auto show in Germany earlier this year.

“Frankly, we are proud, happy and also excited, because we will become the second brand to produce an electric car in these lands,” Hyundai Türkiye General Manager Murat Berkel told Anadolu Agency (AA) in an interview published Sunday.

Berkel reflected on 2025 and shared projections for 2026, noting that the Turkish automotive sector has seen a positive year in terms of production, domestic market sales, and exports. He estimated that the market would close 2025 at around 1.35 million units, marking a record annual sales figure.

Highlighting monthly trends, Berkel said that more than 100,000 vehicles were sold every month except for January and February, suggesting that Türkiye’s market is likely to continue an upward trajectory. He also identified high interest rates and credit access challenges as the main factors limiting growth.

For Hyundai, 2025 has been “a strong year,” according to Berkel. He reported sales of 59,618 units over the first 11 months, including more than 37,000 locally produced vehicles and the remainder imported. With new EV models in its lineup, Hyundai expects to close 2025 with over 66,000 units sold.

The EV market in Türkiye also performed well, with sales doubling year-on-year to 166,000 units in the first 11 months. “Five years ago, electric vehicles accounted for just 1% of the market. This year, that figure has risen to 14%. We expect it to reach 35-40% by 2030,” Berkel added.

Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to expand its EV range, with production of a domestically built electric model scheduled for August 2026. This will bring the total number of Hyundai EV models in Türkiye to seven, meaning over half of its 13 models on sale will be electric.

Berkel also mentioned the facelifted IONIQ 6, set for launch in June, which will feature design and technological improvements to position it among the most efficient in its segment.

“The first electric model produced at our Izmit factory in the second half of 2026 will mark a turning point for our brand,” Berkel said. “Established in 1997 as Hyundai’s first overseas production base, the Izmit plant will contribute to both the national economy and the automotive industry with the production of a fully electric model. Producing an electric car by the hands of Turkish workers is extremely important for both our brand and Türkiye’s automotive sector. Our production lines have been fully upgraded for EVs, and nearly all preparations are complete.”

He added that Hyundai will continue producing internal combustion engine models at the Izmit plant and will introduce next-generation hybrid technology from 2027 onward.

By Tamilla Hasanova