Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6: Australian supply now 'ongoing'

Hyundai's EV focus will grow this year, with new expanded availability of its Ioniq 5 and new Ioniq 6, along with the coming introduction of the new-gen Kona EV and next year's launch of the big Ioniq 7.

In an email to its existing and hopeful customers this week, Hyundai said it would now be able to offer its Ioniq 5 electric SUV and Ioniq 6 electric sports sedan "on an ongoing basis".

"You asked, we listened. After the thrilling back-to-back releases of the IONIQ 5 and 6, we’re excited to announce that stock for both models will be released on an ongoing basis," the email reads.

"As a result of our stronger stock position, far more Australians will now have the opportunity to power their future with the IONIQ of their choice. Imagine that."

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The email doesn't dive into numbers, but local Hyundai boss John Kett told Wheels editor Andy Enright at March's Ioniq 6 launch that the brand expects to have around 3000 EVs available to sell in 2023 – up from just 700 in 2022.

That number that was split over a series of tiny allocations, angering many buyers who weren't quick enough to secure a spot on the production line. To help with demand, the company has recently added used Ioniq 5s to its stock of used cars.

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The Ioniq 7 in concept form, revealed in late 2021

Hyundai hasn't said how many of those 3000 builds will be Ioniq models, or what the split might be – but a spokesperson has confirmed that shipments this year will be a mix of pre-ordered cars in popular trims to facilitate faster customer deliveries where possible, while others will be built to order as needed.

The new-generation Kona EV will also reach Australia in mid-2023 and some of the 3000 slots are likely to go to that model as well.

“When you overlay that (the 700 EV received in 2022) with 30,000 people on an interest list, there's going to be some disappointed people," Kett said. "We really wish we could have had 30,000 vehicles last year but, alas, we couldn't. We took some learnings."

The brand expects to build on that number in 2024, growing supply to 6000 EVs – which by that time will also include the huge Ioniq 7 SUV, a platform mate to the recently revealed Kia EV9. The coming Ioniq 5 N is likely to stir up some interest, too.

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However, if Hyundai's claims of 30,000 people "on the interest list" are to be believed, even 6000 EVs won't be enough – although there's little chance that anywhere near the full 30,000 interested hopefuls would convert to a sale.

The entire Australian market saw 'only' 33,410 EV sales in 2022 – most of those going to Tesla – but with just about all other brands suffering restricted supply, the sales numbers can't easily be considered an accurate representation of buyer intent.

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