South Korean automotive giant Hyundai is gearing up to produce electric vehicles at its İzmit plant, marking a significant step in the country’s EV transition.
Hyundai will begin electric vehicle production at its factory in Kocaeli, in the second half of 2026, the company’s Turkey General Manager Murat Berkel announced on Sunday.
Alongside electric models, Hyundai Motor Turkey will continue to produce popular models with internal combustion engine like the i10, i20, and Bayon.
“A high-quality electric vehicle will be produced here and made available to both Turkish consumers and the European market. Aside from Togg, we will be the second brand manufacturing EVs in Turkey and the first among foreign brands,” said Murat Berkel.
Berkel added that further details about the vehicle will be shared in the coming period.
Berkel also highlighted the growing demand for EVs in Turkey, noting that in 2024, the country’s market for electric cars surged to around 100,000 units, with Hyundai selling nearly 5,000 EVs.
Hyundai’s investment positions Hyundai Motor Turkey as the second company to produce battery electric vehicles in Turkey, following the domestic brand Togg. Turkey is set to witness the launch of three new fully electric cars within the next two years. Togg’s sedan model, the T10F, is expected to hit the roads this year, followed by Hyundai’s EV in 2026, and Chinese manufacturer BYD’s electric vehicle in early 2027.
This move signifies a major leap forward for Turkey’s EV ambitions, especially considering Renault’s earlier, short-lived attempt with the electric Fluence in Bursa.
