The gloves have come off with a warning that Hyundai wants to build the EV with the longest range in the world.
This follows news the company’s forthcoming Ioniq 6 electrified streamliner will have an impressive range of 614km (WLTP).
It’s not quite the best in Australia, but not far off.
Ioniq 6 is no high-riding SUV, rather an extremely long, low curvaceous sedan with inherent aerodynamic advantages.
In fact, with a drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd, it’s even slipperier and more aerodynamic than the $300K plus Mercedes-AMG EQS 35 4MATIC (0.23 Cd).
A claimed electric range of 614km puts the Ioniq third in terms of range of EVs currently for sale in Australia.
It cowtows only to the Tesla Model S (652km) and the BMW iX (630km), but for how long?
“From the start of Ioniq 6’s development, we set our sights on making it the leading all-electric range EV,” Head of Sub-Mid Project Management Centre, Jae Ho Huh, said.
“To become the global leader in electric vehicles, we are committed to providing the best possible EV performance and ownership experience.”
Ioniq 6 will be offered in two grades:
- 168kW/350Nm rear-wheel-drive
- 239kW/605Nm all-wheel-drive
- both are powered by a 77.4kWh battery array
Hyundai says the Ioniq’s long range comes in large part from its dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), together with the electrified streamliner’s ultra-low wind resistance.
The platform is shared with the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.
Various design elements, such as an active air flap, wheel air curtains, integrated rear spoiler and wheel gap reducers, help to significantly enhance aerodynamic performance, placing it among the sleekest vehicles worldwide.
In particular, wheel gap reducers minimise the empty space between the front bumper and tyres to improve aerodynamic performance around the wheel wells.
Hyundai says this invention made it possible for the electrified streamliner to provide a longer wheelbase for passengers’ riding comfort while simultaneously overcoming the aerodynamics challenges caused by its short front overhang.
It should be pointed out however that the figure of 614km is achieved with 18-inch wheels fitted and presumably hard, low roll resistance rubber.
The same car with 20-inch wheels is good for 545km — 69km less.
Ioniq’s energy consumption is a claimed 13.9 kWh/100km.
E-GMP delivers optimal electric performance and provides 800V ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes and supports 400V charging without the need for additional components or adapters.
Hyundai says having a platform specifically designed for EVs also means Hyundai Motor is better able to design vehicles to best meet passengers’ needs.
With E-GMP, Ioniq 6 can be a workstation or a portable power bank on wheels, creating new usage scenarios to fit customers’ diverse, on-the-go lifestyles.
“We put every effort into designing the most efficient car in the EV segment,” Head of Total Vehicle Performance Development Centre, Byung Hoon Min, said.
“Our focus on improving aerodynamics helped to achieve one of the longest all-electric range vehicles available, which will reduce customers’ EV range anxiety and help grow the segment.”
Ioniq 6 is expected in Australia next year, priced from $70,000.
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