Hyundai quite literally has extended its plans for the IONIQ, their all-new range of efficient cars comprising of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions that were revealed earlier this year.
Specifically, it involves the battery-powered IONIQ, which delivers an NEDC claimed range of 250km from its 28kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and 88kW electric motor combo. Not content with that figure, the South Korean marque intends to roll out an updated IONIQ EV with over 320km per charge.
The electric IONIQ has not yet reached showrooms, scheduled for an early 2017 market debut. The announcement traces back to Ahn Byung-ki, Hyundai’s director of its eco-vehicle performance group, who echoes the automaker’s intention to increase the car’s range while speaking at a media event at Hyundai’s technical centre an Ann Arbor, Michigan.
While he agrees that the 250km of the current iteration will satisfy the commuting needs of most consumers, Byung-ki added that it is “not enough, and we have a plan to extend that to more than 200 by 2018.”
An IONIQ with 320km or more of range would place it squarely in competition with the Chevrolet Bolt, a range-extended EV with a claimed range of over 380km. Tesla’s more affordable Model 3, which so far has exceeded 300,000 pre-orders since being unveiled earlier this year, will also be in the Hyundai’s crosshairs, boasting a similar range that’s claimed to be at least 340km.
Nissan has also hinted at introducing a newer version of their Leaf EV with a similarly high range of over 320km. However, information on its release has not been particularly scarce of late.
Both the Hyundai and the Tesla, should current plans not face major delays, would be making their official market debut in 2018, likely within months of each other, vying for a market such as North American that’s hungry for affordable but high-range EVs.
At the upcoming 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai is planning to unveil products that tie-in to the IONIQ brand such as home charging stations and induction pads.
For more on Hyundai vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
