The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is the affordable electric hatch we want but can’t have

Hyundai has unveiled the IONIQ 3, a small electric hatchback built in Europe, but it isn't coming to the US. The car uses two battery options: 42.2 kWh, good for up to 213 miles of range, and 61 kWh, good for up to 308 miles. Both can charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 to 30 minutes on a fast charger. It also debuts Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system, a smartphone-like interface with a large touchscreen and an AI voice assistant that can answer questions or help find places nearby.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the base version is expected to start around $35,000 in Europe, with a sportier N-Line version costing roughly $11,700 more. For comparison, that starting price is similar to what Hyundai's IONIQ 5 costs in the US.

None of this affects US buyers directly, since the IONIQ 3 is built at a plant in Turkey and importing it would likely cost too much under current tariffs. Hatchbacks also haven't sold well in the US compared with SUVs and trucks, making the car a less obvious fit for the American market anyway. If you're shopping for an electric vehicle in the US, Hyundai's IONIQ 5 remains available and is built domestically near Savannah, Georgia, and Kia is set to bring its EV3 compact SUV to the US later this year as a similarly priced alternative.