Hyundai Ioniq EV headed Australia’s way – with enhanced range

The Driven

South Korean carmaker Hyundai has announced new specifications for an enhanced version of its electric Ioniq liftback, including a larger battery that offers an extra 36% storage capacity, 90km more range, and is slated to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of this year.

The new all-electric version of the Ioniq, which is currently available in Australia in three drivetrains including mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric, will have a 38kWh battery, up 10kWh from the version currently available in Australia, and according to the WLTP standard, will offer 294km of range.

Matched with a 100kW motor delivering 295Nm of torque, the new electric Ioniq also now comes standard with a 7.2kW on-board charger (up from the previous 6.6kW) for use with a Type 2 AC charger, and when plugged into a DC ultra-fast charger can charge at a rate of up to 100kW allowing it to recharge 80% in just under an hour.

In addition to the upgraded range and AC charging capabilities, Hyundai are also introducing a connected system called Hyundai Blue link to all Ioniqs that drivers can access through an app, and use to lock and unlock the car or turn the air conditioning on and off remotely, as well as check battery status.

Charging can also be scheduled via the Hyundai Blue Link app, making it easier for drivers to benefit from cheaper off-peak electricity charges.

A new safety service, “eCall”, has also been added to the Ioniq which automatically dials for emergency assistance if airbags are inflated or if a designated call button, that Hyundai has placed behind the rear-view mirror, is pressed.

To read the full story on RenewEconomy’s electric vehicle dedicated site, The Driven, click here…