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):
- Hyundai IONIQ Electric
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5
- All-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6
- All-electric Hyundai INSTER
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 hatchback | On 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 |
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 |
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