Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric crossover could be the ultimate camping companion – The Verge

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Ioniq 5, a mid-size electric SUV with nearly 300 miles of range and a two-way charging feature that is sure to make it a popular electric vehicle for outdoor activities.

The Ioniq 5, which goes on sale in the first half of 2021, is the first vehicle to be built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which the automaker says will serve as the basis for an entire family of EVs planned. Hyundai and its sister company aim to sell 1 million electric vehicles by 2025 with the aim of conquering 10% of the global electric vehicle market.

The Ioniq 5 appears to be a promising start to this effort. The sharp-edged crossover SUV takes some of its design cues from the automaker’s 45 concept vehicle first unveiled in 2019, which was a tribute to the 1974 Pony Coupé, Hyundai’s first mass-produced car and first export.

Instead of a traditional grille, the front of the car features Hyundai’s first flap hood and front bumper with a distinctive V-shape that incorporates a set of unique daytime running lights. These small groups of pixels also appear at the rear of the vehicle.

But Hyundai has packed the interior with a number of really interesting surprises. The center console can move back up to 140 millimeters, allowing the driver or passenger to enter and exit through any door of their choice. This “universal island”, as Hyundai calls it, could prove useful in particularly tight parking situations. The mobile console also provides access to the vehicle’s built-in 15-watt wireless phone charger, in addition to tons of additional storage space.

Most of the Ioniq 5’s interior touch points – seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest – use environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based yarns, and yarns. natural wool, eco-treated leather with based extracts and organic paint with plant extracts. But unlike other EVs like the Polestar 2, Hyundai doesn’t go so far as to claim that its interior is 100% vegan.

That said, it can be comfortable enough to take a nap (but not while driving, obviously). The driver and passenger seats recline enough to provide a “weightless” feeling, says Hyundai. The design theme is ‘living space’, which aims to highlight the spacious interior where you can lift your feet up and relax.

The Ioniq 5 is available in standard and long-range configurations, with 58 kilowatt-hours or 77.4 kilowatt-hours of respective battery capacity. Hyundai estimates the range will be between 470 and 480 kilometers, or just under 300 miles, based on the European Harmonized Global Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Hyundai has yet to certify its range estimates, but it’s worth remembering that WLTP estimates are generally more bullish than the EPA, so expect that number to be lower when the Ioniq 5 hits. the states.

Still, this represents a serious improvement over previous EV offerings from Hyundai. The range of the Ioniq 5 is up almost 20% compared to the Kona EV, for example, which previously had the longest range in Hyundai’s EV lineup.

Ownership of an EV is often defined by how long it takes to charge the battery, and by that metric the Ioniq 5 seems to be a winner. Hyundai claims that the EV supports fast charging up to 350kW DC and is capable of reaching 80% in as little as 18 minutes.

The Ioniq 5 supports loads of 400 volts and 800 volts. In fact, Hyundai’s E-GMP platform offers 800V charging as standard, as well as 400V charging, without the need for additional adapters. According to Hyundai, this multi-charging system is “the world’s first patented technology that drives the motor and inverter to step up from 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.”

But this carrying capacity flows back and forth – literally. The Ioniq 5 has a two-way charging function that Hyundai calls “vehicle to charge”, which can deliver up to 3.6 kW of power. There are two charging ports, one located under the second row seats and the other at the charging port on the outside. Using a converter, customers can charge a range of electrical devices, including e-bikes, scooters, or camping gear. The exterior port provides power even when the vehicle is turned off.

(An advertisement for the EV features actors using the Ioniq 5 to power a convection oven, conveyor belt, and half a dozen speakers, all while camping.)

This two-way charging feature is not unique to Hyundai, but it is rare for a passenger vehicle. The Ford F-150 Powerboost, a hybrid version of its full-size truck, can deliver up to 7.2 kW of power through an integrated generator. But 3.6 kW is a decent amount of output. To be sure, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t generate its own power, so any power drawn from its battery will eventually fall out of the vehicle’s range.

Grid view

If you’re wondering how the Ioniq 5’s price compares to other electric crossover SUVs, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID 4, or Tesla Model Y … well, so do we. Unfortunately, Hyundai hasn’t released any pricing information for the EV, although we would expect it to be between $ 30,000 and $ 40,000, before tax incentives.

Unlike Tesla or General Motors, Hyundai is still eligible for the federal tax credit of $ 7,500 for electric vehicles, which should help the automaker move many units. Customers will also look for range certification from the EPA and more details on partnerships with EV charging station operators before making their decision.

For the first time since, well, forever, customers will have a range of options when it comes to buying mid-size electric SUVs. And the Ioniq 5 already looks like a serious contender.