Hyundai dropped the latest teaser on its upcoming IONIQ electric vehicle brand, which the South Korean automaker plans to roll out starting in 2021. The details provided though were not very specific. Instead, the company anchored the IONIQ things to expect on the word EXTRA.
Contained on a 30-second clip, Hyundai hinted that the IONIQ EVs will boast of Extra Power, Extra Time, and Extraordinary Experience. The best assumption to extract from the video is that the IONIQ will exceed what was seen with the Hyundai Kona Electric.
That should mean, according to Motor Trend, that the first IONIQ model will impress with a bigger and more advanced battery pack, which should translate to a higher range per charge and improved efficiency.
For perspective, the Kona Electric came out with an EPA rating of 258 miles of range so the first IONIQ installment is likely to get up to 350 miles of driving range. To be clear, Hyundai indicated that the teaser released is all about the IONIQ 5, which will be the first to come out of the line and the most affordable as well.
The Kona Electric retailed for around $38,000 and it's fair to assume that Hyundai will push out the IONIQ 5 having the same price range. Industry analysts are saying the IONIQ is the Korean firm's way of competing with the existing and upcoming all-electric vehicles, meaning the EV will attempt to lure consumers away from the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
If Hyundai can deliver on the promised modern vehicle driving experience and if the asking price of the IONIQ will prove compelling, then the EV will surely generate interest and excitement.
Now the thrill attached to the IONIQ 5 is best represented by the EV 45 concept that Hyundai has been shopping around for some time. While the automaker held back on the specific details about the first IONIQ model, it did affirm that the EV will feature a bi-directional charger.
The foremost benefit of that, per Electrek, is superfast charging but the more notable function would be the use of vehicle-to-grid technology. The feature allows the IONIQ 5 to send energy back to the grid, which can be a source of emergency power in times of an outage. Overall, the technology is an attempt for a more efficient experience of EV.
Hyundai said the IONIQ 5 is lined up for a market debut next year so there will be more juicy details on the EV in the months to come. Already, the company confirmed that the first IONIQ is a crossover that will match up with the likes of Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Korean automaker will then push out the IONIQ 6 sedan and IONIQ 7 SUV in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
