Hyundai’s Ioniq hatchback exemplified an earlier generation of electrified vehicles. It was offered in three different powertrain variants: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure EV. Now, the more forward-looking automakers, of which Hyundai is one, are realizing that a “clean-sheet” dedicated EV platform is best. Hyundai dropped the Ioniq Electric in the US after the 2021 model year, and the company has now confirmed that the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will soon be discontinued.

The Ioniq name now refers to the company’s EV sub-brand, and the Korean automaker plans to launch 11 new EV models by 2030.  The recently-released Ioniq 5 was the first of these, and the Ioniq 6 sedan and Ioniq 7 SUV are in the pipeline.

Hyundai made efficiency a priority across the Ioniq lineup. The Ioniq Blue hybrid was one of the most fuel-efficient models available in the US market for model year 2022, with an EPA-rated 59 MPG combined. The Ioniq Electric was a standout for efficiency, too—the 2020 model delivered 133 MPGe, and was one of the cheapest and most efficient EVs available.

The Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric are slightly less efficient than the discontinued electric hatchback, but both offer more range. Although the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid hatch and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid sedan are  history, the Tucson and Santa Fe crossovers now have plug-in variants.

Sources: Car and Driver, Green Car Reports