The upcoming 2017 Hyundai Ioniq electric car will feature a range of about 110 miles per charge, according to an engineer at the company by the name of Kim Choong. “110 mile range” in this case refers to the expected US EPA rating.
The model will be using what is essentially the same 28 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery as that used in the Kia Soul electric vehicle (EV), which only possesses a range of about 93 miles — which goes to show how much of a difference body shape makes with regard to overall range (the Soul has a very blocky design).
The news has reportedly been verified by the Automotive News reporter Hans Greimel, who was in attendance at the 2017 Ioniq reveal in Korea.
Green Car Reports provides more:
As electric-car range moves above the 100-mile mark in EPA ratings, one of the more interesting models to watch will be the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Can the slimmer, sleeker Ioniq Electric match or beat the latest 2016 Nissan Leaf, rated at 107 miles?
…A year or so from now, the Ioniq Electric will join the latest Leaf and also an updated 2017 BMW i3 with ranges over 100 miles. Of course, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has been promised to deliver a 200-mile rating, which will reset the bar — as will the Tesla Model 3, also with a 200-mile promise, that is to be unveiled on March 31.
Other details about the Ioniq Electric that emerged from the debut include paddle shifters that let drivers choose from one of four levels of regenerative braking. That feature pioneered on the low-volume Cadillac ELR, and was extended to the 2016 Chevy Volt; it will also be used on the Bolt EV. The same effect can be achieved in the Nissan Leaf by shifting into the “B” or low range, which increases regeneration. The BMW i3, on the other hand, comes standard with regenerative braking that’s strong enough to bring the car to a complete stop when the driver lifts off the accelerator.
The company is reportedly aiming to eclipse the fuel economy of the Toyota Prius, thereby taking the top position in that regard. The Hyundai Ioniq will be offered in Hybrid, EV, and also plug-in hybrid (PHEV), versions.
Looks more normal than my Leaf…now does it have more trunk/cargo room? Rear armrest built into the seat? Rear Cup-holders & seat pockets in the back of the front seats? A coin tray in the front? like 99% of all other cars.