Hyundai Ioniq EV set for US launch with 124-mile range
Hyundai's Ioniq Electric arrives in US dealerships with an estimated 124-mile range, as the brand expands its eco-friendly line-up through the 2017 model year.
Hyundai will introduce the Ioniq Electric to US dealerships before the end of 2016, offering an estimated 124-mile range on a full charge. The battery-powered hatchback is the first of three Ioniq variants arriving in the US across the 2017 model year, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to follow.
The Ioniq Electric is built on Hyundai’s dedicated green vehicle platform, which also underpins the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The company estimates the EV will return 124 miles of range, placing it ahead of some rivals like the Nissan Leaf’s 107-mile rating at the time, but well behind the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s 238-mile figure. Hyundai has stated plans to improve the Ioniq Electric’s range to over 200 miles by 2018.
US line-up and availability
The Ioniq Electric will be the first variant to reach US showrooms, followed by the hybrid early in 2017 and the plug-in hybrid later in the year. Hyundai’s staggered launch aims to give buyers a choice between fully electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains within a single model family. The Ioniq’s platform is designed to accommodate all three powertrains without major changes, allowing Hyundai to streamline production and broaden its appeal in the eco-friendly segment.
Range and market context
While the Ioniq Electric’s 124-mile range does not match the Chevrolet Bolt EV or the Tesla Model S, it is competitive with other mainstream EVs available in 2016. Hyundai’s strategy appears to focus on affordability and choice, targeting buyers who may not need the longest range but value a lower entry price and multiple electrified options. Final EPA efficiency figures and pricing details were due to be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- Ioniq Electric: 124-mile range (estimated)
- Nissan Leaf (2016): 107-mile range (EPA)
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: 238-mile range (EPA)
Hyundai’s broader electrification plan includes 28 eco-friendly models for the US by 2020, with a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles. The Ioniq family is central to this strategy, aiming to establish Hyundai as a major contender in the growing market for alternative powertrains.
