EV Review: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq BEV

Photo Credits: Hyundai  and Inside EVs

Hyundai’s All-Electric Hatchback

Overview

Performance: 101-kW electric motor, 134 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 121-145 mpge

Price estimate: $34,040 to $39,610

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Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 5 years / unlimited

Corrosion Warranty: 7 years / unlimited

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Review

Intro

When it comes to electric vehicles, the first name that comes to mind is definitely Tesla. The quality of Tesla EVs has given the company an enviable reputation that honestly no one else can touch as we move forward in 2020.

But when it comes to the next level of EV vehicles, Hyundai is certainly in the discussion. The South Korean auto manufacturer has two well-received EVs in the Ionic and the Kona. And it will reportedly invest more than $87 billion to produce 23 EVs by 2025.

Introduced in 2017, the Ioniq EV has been on a nice sales path. Sales figures have climbed each year, starting at 11,197 and stretching to 19,574 for 2019. And if the Coronavirus pandemic doesn’t impede sales drastically, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV is expected to break the 20,000 barrier.

This year’s Ioniq has been refreshed and has significant improvements to range, horsepower and standard equipment. It should be noted that the sticker price jumped as well, approximately $2,600, yet the Ioniq is still under $34,000. More good news is the California price tag for the Ionic EV is greatly reduced (by $10,000) due to a state rebate of $2,500 and a federal tax credit of $7,500.

Interior Space

The Ioniq interior is fairly roomy for a compact vehicle, offering both solid head and leg space up front, accommodating people of all sizes. Yet the same can’t be said for the back seat where three people is definitely a crowd. The cargo area measures 23 cubic feet and the 60/40 rear seats fold down nearly flat, greatly enhancing the hauling capability.

The interior layout is smartly designed and most people will enjoy the intuitive controls and the overall technology. The SE base model has a little larger 8-inch touchscreen this year and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The upgraded Limited model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Power and Speed

The increase in the Ioniq’s range is due to a larger battery pack, previously at 28 kWh and now 38.3 kWh, which has also led to a bump in horsepower. The electric motor is larger as well (101-kW), hiking the horsepower from 118 up to 134. Despite the increases, the one major strike against the Ioniq EV remains its lackluster acceleration.

Range and Charging

Price remains a major plus for the Hyundai Ioniq, as does the increase in range. Previous models of the Ioniq EV have a range of 124 miles but the new 2020 Ioniq electric vehicle has a range of 170 miles, pushing the Ioniq into a higher tier in the EV range segment. Its competitors that have more range come with a more expensive price tag, and the cars that are similarly priced to the Ioniq have less range.

An additional plus for EV buyers is this year’s improved charging. Hyundai says that the new battery can recharge to 80 percent in just 54 minutes at a 100-kW fast-charging station. And the onboard charger has gotten better as well, going from a 6.6-kW unit to 7.2 kW. Using a regular 120-volt outlet, the Ionic can totally recharge in nine hours. When using a Level 2 charging station the Ioniq BEV can charge from completely empty to full in just four hours.

Performance

All Ioniq models deliver solid handling, accurate steering and maneuver well in tight spaces. Unlike the Hybrid model, the Ioniq EV doesn’t have a sport mode that enhances the driving experience. The EV does offer regenerative braking, so drivers can mostly use one pedal when coming to a stop and recuperate some power (meaning more mileage range).

In the safety department, the Ioniq EV has a standard driver assist package that includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist.

Comparing PHEV/BEV

Take note that the Ioniq comes in three electrified fuel configurations. If you want to travel only using an electric mode, the pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is the right fit. If you want to be able to use a gasoline powered engine as a reserve, the Ioniq plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the best match. If you are considering a hybrid, make sure to purchase the plug-in hybrid as the “Ioniq Hybrid” does not allow for charging outside of what the petroleum powered engine charges, which doesn’t save much use of gasoline.

Conclusion

Regardless of which model is chosen, what car buyers will be getting from the Hyundai Ioniq is a premium compact hatchback that has a sporty exterior, is extremely fuel efficient, and can be driven off the dealer’s lot for a reasonable price.

–  J.W.