Hyundai is three years into its IONIQ program, which includes 3 versions (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric), and today, it unveiled a refresh version with the all-electric version getting a bigger battery pack for a significantly longer range.
The IONIQ Electric was always impressive for its efficiency.
With an EPA-rated range of 124 miles on only a 28 kWh battery pack, it was the most efficient electric car ever rated by the EPA.
Now, the Korean automaker is upgrading the battery pack to 38.3 kWh with the new 2020 version of the IONIQ Electric:
“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.”
They’re now talking about a range of 294 km (183 miles), but that’s based on the WLTP standard. The EPA range should be closer to 165 miles on a single charge.
Along with the battery upgrade, Hyundai is also refreshing the interior and exterior design of the IONIQ.
The most significant changes can be found on the front-end of the IONIQ Electric:
“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.”
Hyundai also updated the interior of the IONIQ Electric:
The automaker is offering a bunch of new trims and seat fabric options on the all the versions of the IONIQ.
They also updated the control panel and center console:
“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.”
Along with those changes, they also updated the BlueLink app with new features like remote start and stop, battery status check, and more.
As usual, Hyundai is focusing on the hybrid versions of the IONIQ, which will come out this summer, but the all-electric version is expected in September.
Electrek’s Take
That’s a more-than-decent update. That ~30-40 more miles is going to make a big difference for a lot of buyers.
If Hyundai can maintain the same or similar price at ~$30,000 before incentive, it will still find buyers.
It looks like they have included the same battery pack as the base versions of the Kona EV and Niro EV.
Unfortunately, all those vehicles are offered in limited quantities and that can be partly explained by limited battery supply.
As for the design refresh, there are good ways to make fake grilles and this one ain’t one, but that’s just my opinion.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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