IONIQ 5 AND 6 POWER HYUNDAI’S BEV DRIVE
(Article published in Automotive Innovations magazine, June 2023)
By John C. Morris
Canada’s ZEV (zero emission vehicle) population is growing increasingly quickly, and Hyundai is making a very strong statement with its IONIQ sub-brand. In 2022, the company’s all-electric sales were second only to Tesla’s, and the introduction of the striking IONIC 6, joining the incredibly well received IONIQ 5, has only accelerated things.
There are pages of stats to choose from, but this we know: In 2023, Canadians have a choice of more than 50 all-electric vehicles plus a growing menu of hybrids and plug-in hybrids in addition to the list of BEVs (battery electric vehicles). There’s little doubt that both the consumer and, increasingly, fleet operators are embracing ZEVs. The trend has been on the rise around the world, and has now, some would say belatedly, reached our shores.
“As demand for electric vehicles increases, it is inevitable that some new players will join the game. Hyundai’s rapid product transformation to EVs, PHEVS, and HEVs has put us in an enviable position where other manufacturers need to play catch-up. Our audience will differ, as we are aiming to offer a wide variety of models that will fit the needs of different types of fleet consumers,” explains Zohair Ahmed, Manager, Commercial and Government Fleet National Sales at Hyundai Canada.
Creating a Family
Under the IONIQ designation, Hyundai offers “individualized electrified experiences, catering to different lifestyle needs. The sub-brand strategy helps consumers understand that these are Hyundai’s most advanced, all-electric vehicles that stand alone among the rest of the lineup.”
“It was important to us that our IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 showcase their own design personality,” Ahmed notes. Both vehicles share visual similarities, like the IONIQ signature parametric pixels. You will also see a resemblance in the interiors, where space and passenger comfort are paramount. Both have 400V/800V high speed charging enabling 10 to 80% charging in just 18 minutes. That’s 109 km of range added in approximately five minutes!
The IONIC 5 debuted as a “cool” SUV capitalizing on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and immediately received recognition for range, ultra-fast charging, and perhaps most impressively, striking design that delivers head-turning exterior aesthetics while incorporating surprising interior space. In many ways, this is the versatile and capable vehicle that owners and fleets have long searched for. On top of that, it’s zero emission; a perfect combination!
IONIQ 6: The Sleek EV Sedan
Last year, the IONIQ 6 made another splash. Although they use the same platform, the siblings project two very different images. The IONIQ 6 is a flowing Sonata-sized four-door sedan that immediately attracted attention for its hot “streamliner” exterior with its drag coefficient of 0.22. Gorgeously sleek on the outside, the interior nonetheless delivers more legroom, more shoulder room, and more cargo space than the Tesla Model 3 or the Polestar 2. The Mindful Interior Design is a driver-centred cabin with buttonless, slim doors to enhance the spacious feel, and its unique interior design with eco-friendly and translucent materials create an inspiring, ergonomic human architecture.
Driving the IONIQ 6 seals the deal. Steering force, motor output, accelerator sensitivity, and drive mode can all be personalized. Drivers can adjust regenerative braking using the paddle shifters, and iPedal mode allows the driver to perform acceleration, deceleration, and braking using only the accelerator pedal.
Up to the Challenge
Technically way ahead, the IONIQ 6 delivers complete SmartSense safety features including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. Hyundai has made it very clear that it’s prepared to take on the Tesla Model 3 and the many other high-end competitors now available in Canada and on their way. For the Canadian market, the Long-Range battery pack (77.4 kWh) is standard. This choice acknowledges that Canada’s drivers face dramatic temperature dips and long distances and addresses those range anxiety fears. The incredible design efficiency and lowest drag in the category help the IONIC 6 achieve a Hyundai-best range of 581 km (LR RWD only).
A high-efficiency heat pump and battery heating system also come standard, achieving competitive actual range and charging times in winter months. At low temperatures, the battery is preheated for full output and reduced charging time. The battery is also preheated to reduce charging time when the driver programs a fast-charging station.
Success Builds More Success
IONIQ 5 has been a massive sales success, and IONIQ 6 builds on that momentum. Both IONIQ EVs have had the honour of being named World Car of the Year for their respective launch years.
“There’s more on the way,” says Ahmed, “So far, the IONIQ sub-branding has been the right strategy. Hyundai Motor has now brought the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 successfully to the market and will add the IONIQ 7 to the family with more innovative models to follow. This is in response to fast-growing market demand and facilitates Hyundai’s plan to lead the global EV fleet market. And let’s not forget our hydrogen-powered NEXO, another technology that will help us reach our goal of a sustainable future.”
