Hyundai Gives in, Jacks up the Ioniq's Range for 2018
The fully electric version of Hyundai’s Ioniq hasn’t even hit dealer lots yet and the automaker is already claiming its 124-mile range isn’t enough.
The Ioniq encompasses hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric variants, but the model already finds itself outclassed by looming competitors boasting big all-electric range.
According to Automotive News, Hyundai will roll out a version of the Ioniq in 2018 with at least 200 miles of electric range. We’ve heard Hyundai promise such a vehicle before, though it didn’t specify the model would simply be a longer-ranged Ioniq.
The “base” electric model should arrive early next year. When the 200-mile version arrives in 2018, it will compete with Chevrolet’s 238-mile Bolt and Tesla’s 215-mile Model 3. Nissan has stated that the next-generation Leaf should also possess a 200-plus mile range, but there’s no timeline for that model’s arrival.
[Image: Hyundai]
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"automaker is already claiming its 124-mile range isn’t enough" 2 hours before requiring a recharge? YUP, not enough. How many miles is enough? 1/2 day driving. With a 1/2 hour (food/fuel stop) to full recharge is what's needed. Otherwise the all electric vehicle simply is not viable.
The plug-in hybrid of the Ioniq/Niro is what has me most intrigued. I would love to see an automaker come out with a PHEV with a 100+ mile electric range.
I'm sure this car will sell great with the company already admitting it needs to be upgraded before the thing even launches. Have they been getting advice on disparaging their own products from Marchionne?
Trouble with putting a bigger, heavier battery in something designed for a smaller one, especially if it wasn't that fast or crisp-handling to begin with, is that it will become even less so. The Ioniq is a 120-hp car with handling by Hyundai. Chevy seems to have nailed it right out of the gate: per the dozen or so reviews out there, the Bolt easily exceeds the manufacturer's claims and/or the driver's expectations in terms of acceleration, handling, and range. I think its only major sales obstacle will be the fact it's sized and shaped like a stretched Honda Fit. (Perhaps a little narrow for our big North American arses, in other words.)