Hyundai has revealed details of its Ioniq range – the first to be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure-EV specifications. The all-electric family hatchback will start at £28,995, and goes on sale in selected dealerships later this year.
The entry level Ioniq Electric Premium costs just under £29,000, with the range topping Premium SE completing the range at £30,795. Neither price includes the government’s Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), but the Hyundai is expected to be eligible for the grant which will take £4,500 off the price of the new model.
This will put it in direct competition with the likes of Nissan’s Leaf, which starts at £21,530 for a 24kWh model with a quoted range of 124 miles, while the longer-range Leaf 30kWh has an official range of 155 miles and starts at £25,230. The Ioniq Electric – presuming it is eligible for the PiCG – will sit slightly askew of the two models in terms of price at £24,495 and £26,295 for each trim. However, it has a quoted ‘maximum potential driving range’ of 174 miles from its 28kWh battery and 88kW motor.
Technical specifications for the Ioniq Electric see the car powered by an 88kW electric motor, with power coming from a 28kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Efficiency is rated by Hyundai at 11.5kW per 100km, the on-board charger is 6.6kW, and the car is CCS 50KW rapid charge compatible.
Equipment levels are good across both trims, and all three Ioniq models – both plug-ins and the hybrid – will feature Hyundai’s five year, unlimited mileage warranty – the Ioniq Electric’s battery covered for eight years or 125,000 miles.
The final version to come to market will be the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, which will go on sale in the UK early 2017, with prices and specification details to be announced closer to launch.
Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK said: “The All-New Hyundai Ioniq is the world’s first car offering three electrified powertrains and it will make low- to zero-emission mobility more accessible to more people. Hyundai’s innovative approach delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience, the latest connectivity and safety features with an enhanced industry-leading warranty-package.
“It is also an important milestone in our sustainability strategy, bringing innovative technologies to the market and extending the company’s product range of low-to-zero emission vehicles, which already includes the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell.”
Hyundai has also announced that POD Point will be the preferred charging partner for customer domestic charge point installations in the UK, as well as points across the dealer network and Hyundai Motor UK facilities.
Erik Fairbairn, POD Point Founder and CEO said: “The UK launch of Hyundai’s Ioniq is another clear indication that plug-in vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. We’re excited to help welcome Hyundai drivers to the world of EV with our high standard of customer service and first class installation experience.”
