© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Electric Three Ways
Hyundai knows that a pure electric car is not for everyone, so the Korean company is introducing an all-new model that will be available with three different electrified platforms. The Ioniq will be sold as the Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and the Ioniq Electric. Hyundai claims that this is the first car in the world to be offered with three electric powertrains.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Attracting New Buyers
“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ioniq Hybrid
While Hyundai does offer a hybrid in their current lineup — the Sonata — the Ioniq will be the first they’ve offered that was originally designed for a hybrid powertrain. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid will utilize a new 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that produces 104 horsepower. With the addition of the electric motor, total output is around 140 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
The Ioniq plug-in is equipped with a larger lithium-ion-polymer battery pack which provides a range of 25 miles on electric-power only when fully charged. Given that this is a rather common commute distance in the U.S., the plug-in could operate as a pure electric car for much of its use. The electric motor puts out just over 60 horsepower in the plug-in.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ioniq Electric
With its 28 kWh battery pack, the Ioniq Electric provides great performance and range. Hyundai claims the Ioniq Electric can travel around 110 miles between charges. Using a 100 kW fast charger, the Ioniq can be brought up to 80 percent charge in about 20 minutes. With 217 lb-ft of instant torque on tap, the Ioniq should feel quite spritely when accelerating to its top speed of around 100 mph. According to Hyundai, the Ioniq Electric should return 125 MPGe.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
No CVT
Unlike many hybrids on the market, the Ioniq hybrid and plug-in will use a 6-speed double-clutch transmission, providing smooth shifts and a more dynamic driving experience. Drivers can select Sport or Eco modes, which will adjust shift points and activation of the hybrid system for better driving performance or improved efficiency.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Slippery and Stylish
The new Ioniq was designed with a very low 0.24 coefficient of friction, making the stylish 4-door sedan quite efficient. All models feature the traditional Hyundai hexagonal grille and feature vertical LED running lights very similar to the 2017 Elantra. The Electric also features a cleaner smoother grille since it doesn’t have a gas engine under the hood in need of airflow.
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High-Tech Safety Features
As we would expect, the Ioniq is equipped with a long list of advanced safety features. These include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. Automatic emergency braking is also features, able to detect vehicles or pedestrians that may be in the car’s path. Ioniq will also be available with Smart Cruise Control, which will maintain a set distance from the car in front, all the way down to 5 mph. The system in the Ioniq Electric will allow the car to come to a complete stop automatically.
© Hyundai Motor America
Interior
Ioniq has a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen display as well as popular features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Materials have an ecological focus — for example, the interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone, the headliner and carpet contain materials extracted from sugar cane, and paint containing renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil creates metallic colors on key components.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
