Not so long ago we heard from Europe that the Hyundai IONIQ could have up to 155 miles/250 km of range, not so long ago we heard from Hyundai that this next generation of all-electric vehicle would be special.
As it turns out, the Hyundai Electric (new name) is neither of those things...and we are more than a bit disappointed.
Data is now becoming available in South Korea on the all-electric car (full specs below), and it shows that the IONIQ "electric" is a fairly vanilla offering - another city EV, into a mass of city EVs already on the market.
If this was 2010 we would be excited about this car...but it is not. It's 2016.
The all-electric version of the IONIQ - named simply "electric", which will be released in the US in August/September, comes equipped with a 28 kWh battery supplied by LG Chem (under the back seat), which is good for 169 km/105 miles of range in South Korea. We had earlier hoped the IONIQ would at least up the ante to 120 - 130 miles of range.
And as South Korea doesn't have an overly ambitious rating system, like that of the aforementioned 155 mile range estimate in Europe, 105 miles is the real world range.
As a comparison, the Kia Soul EV is rated at 148 km/92 miles, and the new 2016/30 kWh LEAF at 172 km/107 miles - exactly the same as the US EPA rating.
Here are some other basic specs of interest:
Battery: 28 kWh - LG Chem
Top Speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
88kW/117 hp electric motor
The Hyundai IONIQ electric will come in two trim levels, starting from 40M won ($32,400 USD), with the premium trim (Q) from 43M won ($34,800 USD).
At first glance, it appears Hyundai's best chance for success with the IONIQ electric will come if it can maintain (or reduce) pricing levels that it has set in its home market internationally, to become a low cost option in the future as it faces down many longer range, 2nd generation EV competitors.
Standard Features for all models:
Basic Items:
16-inch wheels and Michelin tires
LED DRL
projection headlamps
LED auxiliary brake light
LED rear combination lamps
aerodynamic items (active air flap wheel air curtain, rear spoiler, etc.), aluminum bodywork (hood, tailgate, etc.)
7-inch color LCD
artificial leather seats
paddle shifters (adjustable regenerative braking)
Safety:
body posture control (ESC)
chassis integrated control system (VSM)
Virtual Engine Sound System (pedestrian protection)
tire pressure warning equipment, tire repair kit
rear parking assist system
rear-view camera
Convenience:
electronic shift lever (SBW)
electronic parking brake (EPB)
full auto air conditioner/heat pump system
auto light control
button start/smart key system
front seat heating coil seat
backseat 6:40 folding split seat
Multimedia:
Premium Audio (5-inch color LCD)
6-speaker system
Bluetooth hands-free (speech recognition)
AUX & USB input
Upgraded Trim Level (Q) Adds These Items:
Basic Items:
LED headlamps
chrome beltline moldings
chrome door handles
metallic pedals / foot rests
metal door scuff
rear center armrest
Convenience:
hot-wire steering wheel
ventilated front seats seats
driver's seat lumbar support
automatic cruise control
front parking aid system
mobile phone wireless charging system
Multimedia:
8 inch Smart Navigation (with Blue Link 2.0)
JBL premium sound (8 speakers)
external amplifier
Individual Packages:
Smart navigation infotainment package: 8 inches screen (including the blue link 2.0), JBL Premium Sound (8 speakers), External Amplifier
