Overview
The Hyundai Motor Company, usually referred to simply 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 6 Saloon
Hyundai, has no doubt developed significant experience in the development of electric cars, and the Hyundai IONIQ 5, is a good example of good electric car. However, the automotive manufacturer has been able to make ‘good’ even better in its latest pure electric car, the IONIQ 6. Hyundai is fast cementing an enviable reputation for class-leading electric cars.
Though, the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5 have little in common in terms of exterior styling, the two pure electric cars do have much in common in relation to development. In fact, both EVs use the Hyundai- Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), making the IONIQ 6 the second pure electric car to use this dedicated EV platform. The IONIQ 6 has its roots in the Prophecy Concept EV, which was unveiled in 2020. The same year the IONIQ brand was relaunched.
The world premier of the IONIQ 6 was in July 2022, with pre-sales of the First Edition model commencing in November 2022, in key Hyundai markets, to include the UK. According to the company, the First Edition, which is limited to 2,500 units, sold out within 24 hours of its launch.
Given the sleeker exterior styling of the IONIQ 6 electrified streamliner, it should come as no surprise that the EV has improved aerodynamics and vehicle efficiency, compared to the IONIQ 5. In fact, a number of automotive manufacturers are focussing on developing streamlined electric cars. Bottom-line, the more efficient an electric car, the stronger is its proposition to the user!
The IONIQ 6 EV has an ultra-low drag coefficient Cd (0.21). Very few passenger cars can claim a drag coefficient as low as 0.21. One such example is the Lightyear One solar car. The automotive manufacturer claims an aerodynamic coefficient less than 0.20 Cd.
According to the manufacturer, “the sweeping curves and smooth lines pay homage to the iconic streamlined vehicles of the 1920’s and 30’s”. Hyundai has implemented a number of advanced aerodynamic solutions in the IONIQ 6.
These include: flush door handles, rear spoiler, front active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, separation traps and wheel deflectors. The end result is that the IONIQ 6 offers an addition 23 miles electric range for the same EV battery used by the IONIQ 5, given the lower energy consumption of the IONIQ 6.
The IONIQ 6 is available in one EV battery size: 77.4 kWh, with a claimed electric range up to 338 miles (WLTP) for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant. The all-wheel drive variant has a claimed electric range up to 322 miles (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, both variants offer a useful and practical electric range.
The EV is equipped with an 800-volt battery system. Like the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 also offers ultra-fast DC charging up to 350 kW DC as standard for both variants. The EV can be charged up to 80% between 18 – 36 minutes at 350 kW DC, and can be charged between 43 – 62 minutes at 50 kW DC. Of course, the key is finding a 350 kW public charging station. Hyundai incorporates a 10.5 kW AC (3-phase) onboard charger as standard.
For those of you with access to three-phase power supply at home and work, the 77 kWh can be fully charged in 7 hours and 20 minutes. Single-phase EV charging will take longer (11 hours 45 minutes), and we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car.
We also recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times are shorter and the regular charging of the EV battery is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Hyundai offers a warranty up to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The pure electric car is available as both, a 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and an all-wheel drive (AWD). The Hyundai IONIQ 6 rear-wheel drive can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds (max power: 228 PS), while the all-wheel drive can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds (max power: 325 PS). The top speed of the electric vehicle (EV) is 115 mph. The EV incorporates regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. Hyundai refers to it as i-Pedal.
The exterior styling of the IONIQ 6 is modern, minimalist and elegant. This also extends to the inside cabin. The EV also includes two reclining seats, for those keen on resting while the EV is charging. The EV is technology-filled, to include: 12.3” infotainment screen, 12.3” cluster, head-up display, Hyundai SmartSense advance driver assistance systems, digital side mirror and more. Hyundai has also incorporated over-the-air (OTA) software updates for the EV.
As is now the trend with OEMs, the EV also incorporates sustainable materials, to include: recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tyres in the cladding, bamboo charcoal pigment paint, eco-processed leather, recycled PET fabric, bio PET fabric, bio paint derived from vegetable oils and recycled fishing net carpet.
The EV also incorporates Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) that enables the charging of electric devices using the onboard EV battery. The electric car has a 3-PIN socket that allows charging of electronic items while stationary or driving. Electric devices that can be powered by the EV include: e-bike, e-scooter, laptop, kettle, microwave oven, mini-fridge, blender etc. In terms of practicality, the boot space is up to 401 L (smaller than the IONIQ: 527 L).
Company car drivers can also take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax rate for pure 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 |
---|---|
Ultra-low drag coefficient Cd of 0.21 | Small boot space |
350 kW DC charging as standard | Only available in one EV battery size |
Good pure electric range | Roofline impacts headroom for taller rear seat passengers |
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 Saloon (credit: Hyundai)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (3 Options) |
---|
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Premium (from £46,745) |
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate (from £50,245) |
Hyundai IONIQ 6 First Edition (from £54,940) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 77.4 kWh |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- 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) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1495 |
Width (mm): | 1880 |
Length (mm): | 4855 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2950 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot Capacity (L): | 401 |
77 kWh 228 PS 2WD | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77.4 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 338 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Top Speed: | 115 mph |
0-62 mph: | 7.4 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 167.7 |
Max Power (PS): | 228 |
Torque (Nm): | 350 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,910 – 1,986 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
77 kWh 325 PS AWD | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77.4 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 322 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Top Speed: | 115 mph |
0-62 mph: | 5.1 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 239 |
Max Power (PS): | 325 |
Torque (Nm): | 605 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,020 – 2,096 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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