Hyundai pauses Kona Electric production for 2026 model year

Hyundai has paused production of the Hyundai Kona Electric for the U.S. market for the 2026 model year. The company confirmed that manufacturing for American customers at its South Korean plant is temporarily halted. This move comes as dealers have sufficient inventory of 2025 models and demand has softened.

According to Cox Automotive, about 3,011 Kona Electric units were sold in the U.S. in 2025—a 41% drop compared to the previous year. Against this backdrop, the automaker decided not to launch the 2026 model, focusing instead on selling existing stock.

Hyundai emphasizes that the model is not being discontinued permanently. Production of the Kona Electric will resume in June 2026, but as the 2027 model year. The lineup is expected to remain largely unchanged. This decision aligns with a broader trend: other manufacturers are also adjusting their strategies amid slowing U.S. demand for electric vehicles.

For the 2025 model year, the Kona Electric is offered in several trims with two battery options: a 48.6 kWh pack providing about 322 km of range and a 64.8 kWh unit offering up to 420 km.