The electric vehicle market is currently experiencing a downturn, but Hyundai appears to be focusing on the production timeline for the Genesis hybrid models. Industry insiders predict that the release date for the Genesis hybrid models, initially targeted for January 2027, could be moved up by as much as six months.

Currently, the models equipped with the Genesis hybrid powertrain include the GV70, GV80, G80, and G90. As a result, the GV80 and G80 hybrids are expected to hit the domestic market by mid-2026, while the GV70 is projected to launch in the latter half of the same year.

Hyundai has completed the development of its next-generation hybrid system, TMED-II. This new system adds an additional motor to assist vehicle propulsion, resulting in a total of two motors that improve fuel efficiency and performance compared to the existing hybrid system. Hyundai officially confirmed the application of TMED-II during its recent Investor Day.

The first vehicle to feature TMED-II is expected to be the fully redesigned Palisade. This model will come equipped with a 2.5-liter hybrid turbo engine, and the new powertrain is anticipated to deliver over 300 horsepower.

However, for Genesis vehicles like the G80, the hybrid system will likely feature rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive.

The first hybrid vehicle from the Genesis brand, the Genesis G80 hybrid, is likely to compete directly with Lexus's key model, the ES300h, which has undergone a full redesign. The Lexus ES debuted in North America in 1989 and was introduced to the South Korean market in 2001.

The ES300h competes in the highly competitive E-segment of mid-size sedans, going head-to-head with the Genesis G80, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The ES300h features a 2,494 cc four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering a total output of 218 horsepower through an e-CVT transmission.

Recently, Lexus and Toyota surpassed a cumulative sales total of 300,000 units in the South Korean market. When Lexus first entered the market in 2001, it sold 810 units, and by 2019, sales exceeded 200,000. From 2001 until last month, Toyota and Lexus combined have sold nearly 299,000 vehicles in South Korea.

This year, the import vehicle market has contracted by 15.7% compared to the same period last year. However, Lexus and Toyota, which focus on hybrids, continue to perform strongly. Notably, the ES300h has ranked among the top-selling import models, with over 4,500 units sold.

The biggest advantage of the ES300h lies in its 2.5-liter gasoline engine combined with a large-capacity battery and two powerful motors, resulting in a combined fuel efficiency of 17.2 km/L and real-world efficiency exceeding 20 km/L.

Looking ahead, the next-generation ES300h is set to debut as a fully redesigned model, featuring improved fuel efficiency, performance, and slightly larger dimensions. The latest design family look is expected to be reflected in the model, which is projected to launch between 2025 and 2026.

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