Updated Bargain Basement EV Lands in Europe With Extra Range

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

While Hyundai’s compact Ioniq hatchback is most commonly seen in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guise, there’s also an all-electric model that took its sweet time breaking out of California. It’s notable not for its range (which, at 124 miles, puts it on par with also-ran EVs like the Volkswagen e-Golf), but for its price, which undercuts even the Nissan Leaf.

Hyundai unveiled an updated crop of Ioniqs back early this year, relegating the news to the more EV-friendly European market, but with the model line also on sale here its eventual arrival is a given. The biggest news to come from the reveal? A significantly larger battery for the Ioniq Electric.

Now that details are flowing on the imminently available 2020 Ioniq from overseas, we’re able to guess the model’s range.

According to Autocar, the switch from a 28 kWh battery to a 38.3 kWh unit earns the car a 36-percent improvement in driving range. Going by Europe’s WLTP cycle, that means 182 miles. On this side of the pond, simple math tells us that a 36-percent boost in range equates to 168 or 169 miles. That catapults the Ioniq EV’s range above that of the entry-level Leaf, which boasts 151 miles (moving up to the Leaf Plus earns you 226 miles, something Hyundai can’t offer unless you spend significantly more for a Kona EV).

Still, we await the EPA’s findings. Torque remains untouched at 218 horsepower while horsepower jumps from 118 to 134 hp, and charging speed gets a boost through a newly upgraded charger (7.2 kW versus the previous version’s 6.6 kW).

A price bump accompanies the added capacity, though where the model’s price will end up here remains unknown. A 2019 base Ioniq EV goes for $31,245 before a federal tax credit, of which Hyundai still has a generous stockpile. Moving up to the better-appointed Limited model will cost you an extra $5,500.

That’s assuming, of course, that you live in one of the 10 tree-hugging states where Hyundai actually sells the thing. Your author actually sees a couple of these budget EVs shuttling around on a regular basis. Less change is in store for the PHEV variant, though Autocar suggests an extra mile or two of range might be forthcoming. Currently, the Ioniq Plug-in rates an all-electric range of 29 miles and a starting price of $26,280 after destination.

Elsewhere, the model line dons new standard tech and safety equipment, plus a revamped front fascia and lighting.

While the Europeans can get their hands on the 2020 Ioniq fairly soon, North American customers remain in stay-tuned mode. In May, Hyundai said details would be forthcoming in the fall.

[Image: Hyundai]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Dal20402 Dal20402 on Aug 08, 2019

    Poor availability of the Kona EV was one reason we didn't pursue it harder. (The other was packaging; it has less room inside than the considerably smaller Bolt.) Edit: This was supposed to be a reply to SCE to AUX.

  • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Aug 11, 2019

    The availability is a legit concern. This is why all of my EV shopping leads back to Tesla.

    • Dal20402 Dal20402 on Aug 11, 2019

      Zero availability concerns with the Chevy Bolt, at least in CA emissions states, or the Nissan Leaf Plus.

  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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