Hyundai had an interesting strategy with their IONIQ program, giving three electric options built on the same car (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, full-electric). The 2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric now is getting a significant upgrade to its battery along with enhancements.
The Hyundai IONIQ Electric may have never held any accolades for its total range. But it has been the most efficient electric car made to date, achieving a 124 miles of range from a 28 kWh battery. This puts it at an efficiency of 25 kWh/100 miles, putting it ahead of the Long Range Tesla Model 3 and BMW i3, both of which are at 27 kWh/100 miles.
Hyundai has bestowed a larger battery and longer range onto the IONIQ Electric, which will make it an even more attractive pick for consumers.
The new IONIQ Electric’s battery has been upgraded from 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh, meaning drivers can go even further between charges. It boasts 36% additional energy storage capacity, offering a total of 294 kms of range (internal target under WLTP regulations). Its e-motor delivers a maximum power of 136 PS and 295 Nm of torque and is fitted standard with a 7.2-kW on-board charger – an upgrade from current 6.6-kW – for Type 2 AC charging. Using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80% charge in as little as 54 minutes.
Of course the above range of 294 km (182 miles) is based on the WLTP cycle, so expect the EPA rating to be somewhere in the 160 mile range.
The IONIQ has also received an update to both its interior, which includes a larger screen in the center console and an exclusive “Electric Shadow” leather option (the hybrid and plug-in get an exclusive “Red Umber” color).
Below the new wide screen 10.25-inch AVN screen, the control panel for heating and climate control has been redesigned and sports a sleek, glossy finish. New touch-type control buttons allow for intuitive operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The IONIQ Electric standard high-resolution 7-inch LCD console display (optional for hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions) has been improved with mood lighting to visualise the different drive mode themes. To round off the improved modern interior design, blue ambient lighting has been applied across the passenger-side lower dashboard and the centre console.
The most distinctive design change will be the redesigned grill which will differentiate the electric version of the IONIQ from the other two.
The front of the new IONIQ Electric has been updated also with a new distinctive pattern on the closed grille. All models feature an updated front bumper design with a silver-coloured molding at the bottom, and new anthracite seen on the rear bumper molding and daytime running light bezels up front, creating a more refined and dynamic look. The LED DRLs as well as the newly available LED head- and taillights have been completely redesigned to make the IONIQ stand out at night – offering not only aesthetic enhancements but also additional safety.
The IONIQ Electric wasn’t a widely talked about car, mostly due to its limited release and comparatively low range. While Hyundai has increased the range of the IONIQ, we doubt that they will increase the availability of it, leaving it in relative obscurity once again.
However if Hyundai keeps it at the same relative base price of ~$30,000, then a few lucky people will get a pretty good deal. Expect to see the updated hybrid and plug-in version in July 2019. The electric version will follow on September 2019.
What do you guys think of the new 2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric? Let us know down in the comments below.
Source: Hyundai
