The recent debut of Hyundai’s IONIQ 6 has once again brought attention to the company’s electric vehicle business. But how many of them? What has already appeared and what to expect in the future? Hyundai ‘s new electric car has become new food for thought. What I hasten to share with you in the material below.
Hyundai electric vehicles: the beginning
Everything seemed to start out quite logically and as expected. Against the backdrop of the popularity of “eco” models Toyota Prius, Nissan LEAF, Honda Clarity, Hyundai decided to create its own “eco” car. The Honda path was chosen – in the sense that the new Hyundai Ioniq was presented in three variations: a conventional hybrid, a rechargeable hybrid, and a pure Hyundai Ioniq Electric .
Thus, Hyundai receives the first special model designed with an emphasis on electric mobility. But the creation of electric versions for conventional internal combustion engines also continued. Moreover, these attempts were quite successful – just remember Hyundai Kona Electric : two versions, high power, a large battery and a good power reserve.
The first two mass-produced electric vehicles from Hyundai are Ioniq Electric and Kona Electric . Both were surprisingly good for their time, even though they didn’t “break the mold”. But then the IONIQ 5 happened to Hyundai …
IONIQ as an electric mobility brand
The appearance of Hyundai IONIQ 5 was a bolt from the blue. Perhaps, few people expected such a bright and distinctive electric car, which literally completely inherited the 45 concept car in terms of design. Which brought with it an unformatted body type. Who gave us the original interior. And most importantly, all this was backed up by impressive technology: E-GMP platform, rear or four-wheel drive, electrical architecture up to 800 volts, ready to charge 350 kW, V2L technology.
But this was only the beginning of a revolution. Today it is already clear that Hyundai wants to create a whole series of electric vehicles under the general designation IONIQ. At one time, there was information that IONIQ could become a completely independent brand, but so far everything looks like it is a “sub-brand”: like Volkswagen ID or Mercedes EQ. And there is definitely something to unite under the banner of IONIQ – after the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models, the time will soon come for the “seven”
The hint was given in the form of the Hyundai SEVEN concept: a huge crossover on the E-GMP platform, a promised range of 300 miles or almost 500 km, production version ready for 2023. But most of all in the concept, it was not his technique that surprised him, but his interior – a solid rear sofa, bamboo trim, swivel chairs, swing doors. You could say “this is just a concept car”, if not for the examples above of the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models, which got to the serial form with minimal changes relative to their own concepts.
At first glance, all three IONIQ models (we will also take into account the seven) noticeably differ from each other in design and concept. However, there are also unifying features: the E – GMP platform and 800-volt architecture, the design using “pixel” headlights and lanterns, and also the courage to implement ideas that were previously only possible with concepts.
What is missing from the list above? Solid executive sedan with electric drive. What if the hint is a Hyundai Grandeur resto-mod? This concept car was created in honor of the 35th anniversary of the original 1986 Hyundai Grandeur model: all body shapes were specially left untouched. However, the technical stuffing has changed – for example, “pixel” headlights and lanterns have appeared.
Similar metamorphoses have taken place in the cabin: unchanged forms of the front panel and steering wheel, burgundy seat trim, but also numerous touch screens and LED backlights. The creators themselves perfectly accurately described their creation with the word Newtro – as a combination of “New + Retro”.
The Hyundai Grandeur concept car belongs to the Heritage Series : it is significant that the company has its own history. Another indicator is the use of an electric drive (no details were disclosed) and IONIQ -style pixelated headlights . It turned out to be an interesting version of the electric sedan in the style of the movie “ In Time “. Although in reality there is already an electric executive sedan from the Koreans.
Genesis electric cars – sedan, crossover, hatchback
Let me recall Genesis as a sister brand that once “grew” from Hyundai. Over the past couple of three years, the Genesis brand has released a lot of interesting models, among which were electric cars – first of all, it is worth noting the G80 sedan and the GV70 crossover in electric modifications Electrified.
Both are built on the basis of similar ICE models and differ only in minimal details: their own bumper, radiator grille, charging hatch. Both were initially focused on the Chinese market, but were planned for sales in other countries. Both used E-GMP platform components and received all-wheel drive based on two electric motors: a total peak power of 272 kW (370 hp) for the G80 sedan or even 360 kW (490 hp) for the GV70 crossover. Both promised a power reserve of 400-500 km (depending on the measurement rules).
Recently, a third electric car was added to the Genesis model range – this time it was originally created as such. We are talking about the Hyundai GV60 model, which is based on the Hyundai IONIQ 5: a similar platform, technology, capabilities. But if for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the maximum power ends at 225 kW (305 hp), then the Genesis GV60 can offer 320 kW (435 hp) or even 360 kW (490 hp) in 10 – second mode. And plus a “drift” mode to boot.
The young brand Genesis develops the theme of electric vehicles in different directions. On the one hand, electric versions of already familiar models are being created for “classic lovers”. On the other hand, such non-format models as the GV 60 are launched into the series.
In the end: what is all this leading to?
This material was devoted only to Hyundai electric cars, only a little touched on the sister brand Genesis. But there is still a huge number of KIA electric vehicles – both serial and concepts for the future.
I think that this very “future” for the Koreans has already been determined quite accurately. Today, Hyundai (and along with it Genesis and KIA) is clearly betting on electric vehicles in order to become one of the world leaders in the EV market in the coming years. Therefore, answering the title question: yes – the Koreans will do everything and even more so that their electric cars “take off”.
