The Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback: The Complete Guide For The UK

Hyundai IONIQ Electric plug in hybrid
Price: £30,450
Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body type: Hatchback
Battery size: 8.9 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 32 miles
Tailpipe emissions: 26g (CO2/km)


Overview


The Hyundai Motor Company, usually referred to only as Hyundai, is a leading South Korean automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. The company was founded in 1967, with its first model, the Cortina (in collaboration with Ford Motor Company), launched in 1968. The Cortina was assembled in the Ulsan plant in South Korea. Hyundai has come a long way since then, and currently owns a 33.88% stake in Kia Corporation, and also wholly owns the luxury automotive brand, Genesis, among others.

Hyundai has an annual production capacity of over 1.6 million units, making the automotive manufacturer the third-largest in terms of production behind the Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota and the German automotive group, Volkswagen. Hyundai has production facilities across a number of global locations. Some of these include: North America, India, Russia, Turkey, China and the Czech republic. Hyundai vehicles are sold in nearly 200 countries globally.

Hyundai commenced developing alternative fuel vehicles in 1988. The first pure electric car was developed by the company in 1991 (Sonata EV). The automotive manufacturer commenced producing hybrid electric vehicles in 2008. The company has also been involved with hydrogen powered vehicles. In 2018, Hyundai launched the Nexo, a hydrogen powered crossover SUV. The company also launched the first the Xcient Fuel Cell, the world’s first production hydrogen fuel cell truck.

In 2022, the company announced a new production facility in South Korea, with a sole focus on the manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs). The facility is expected to commence operations in 2025. The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):



Electric Cars: The Basics


For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:


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The Hyundai IONIQ PHEV Hatchback


The Hyundai IONIQ, is the first model to be offered as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). All three powertrains are offered within one body type. The variants made a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. However, the IONIQ Hybrid made its debut in South Korea in January 2016.

Though the Hyundai IONIQ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ends production in 2022, it will still be available for those keen on buying a used electric car. The Hyundai PHEV has much to offer those seeking a lower price entry into electric driving. The electric vehicle (EV) is a relatively affordable family electric car, compared to other PHEVs on the market.

In terms of practicality, the IONIQ PHEV comfortably seats five adults (front and rear) and offers decent boot space (341 L). The interior quality is in line with the affordable price tag. Having said that, the standard level of specifications and technology is good.

The EV is easy to drive, though the performance will not set the heart racing, it is certainly adequate for its segment and price point. The front-wheel drive IONIQ PHEV can achieve 0-62 mph in 10.6 seconds, and also benefits from instant torque. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a maximum power of 105 PS (torque 147 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 110 mph.

Given the WLTP certified emission-free electric range is 32 miles, and most commutes are short, there is much scope for taking advantage of electric driving to save money. The PHEV has a 8.9 kWh onboard EV battery, which is reasonably standard for a PHEV of this generation. However, expect the real-world pure electric range to be closer to 27 miles.

The EV range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, load, regenerative braking, road condition, weather, wheel size and a lot more. In any case, driving on e-mode can be as low as 5 pence per mile, far cheaper than using petrol or diesel!

Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which again is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed recommend the use of a dedicated EV charging station, like easee to charge the EV.

We do not encourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug. Charging the EV using a single-phase EV charger will take up to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Of course, if you top-up on a regular basis, the charging time will be faster. The Hyundai plug-in hybrid has a 3.3 kW onboard charger and does not offer DC charging compatibility.

The IONIQ plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, powered by an onboard EV battery. The automotive manufacturer claims a fuel economy up to 256.8 mpg for the electric vehicle (EV). Of course the real-world fuel economy will depend on a number of factors, but none as influential as using the e-mode.

Bottom-line, to increase the fuel economy of the vehicle and lower the driving costs, the PHEV should be driven as much as possible on the electric mode.

In terms of reliability, Hyundai has a good reputation and offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty. The EV has been awarded a Five-Star NCAP Safety Rating. We at e-zoomed would encourage those seeking to buy a used electric car to take appropriate steps for the inspection of the EV and in particular, the onboard EV battery.

The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. 

You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!



PROS CONS
An affordable family electric hatchbackOn board charger limited to 3.3 kW
Spacious interiors for adults Interior is not premium
Easy to drive Not the most exciting exterior design or drive

Gallery


The Hyundai IONIQ PHEV Hatchback (credit: Hyundai)


At A Glance
EV Type:Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:Hatchback
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Not Available
Engine:Petrol/ Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (2 Options)
Hyundai IONIQ Plug- In Hybrid Premium (from £30,450)
Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid Premium SE (from £32,450)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 8.9 kWh
Charging:DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.3 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 15 mins)
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:26g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:8 years or 100,000 miles

Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh £1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh£1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh£1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh£1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh£2.03
  • Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
  • Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm):1450
Width (mm):1820
Length (mm):4470
Wheelbase (mm):2700
Turning Circle (m):10.6
Boot Space (L):341

1.6 141PS Petrol Blue Drive 2WD DCT
EV Battery Capacity:8.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):32 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):N/A
Fuel Consumption (mpg):256.8
Charging: DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.3 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 15 mins)
Top Speed:110 mph
0-62 mph:10.6 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):N/A
Max Power (PS):105
Torque (Nm): 147
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,495 – 1,551
Colours:9
NCAP Safety Rating:Five-Star

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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