Hyundai Confirms Ioniq With Choice Of Three Electric Powertrains

Following speculation surrounding the name, and the technology behind it, Hyundai has confirmed that Ioniq will be the nameplate to take it into battle against Toyota’s hybrid poster-child, the Prius.

More than just a hybrid though, the Ioniq will offer a choice of three electric drivetrains, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full-electric variants available. It is the first production vehicle to offer three EV options.

Australia is expected to see the Ioniq join the Hyundai line-up during the second half of 2016, however only the hybrid model has been confirmed at this point. Hyundai Australia is also keen to add the plug-in version, but the business case for that variant is still under review.

Globally Hyundai is looking to set itself as a green car market leader, and while the previous Sonata offered a hybrid version, and the new generation offers both a hybrid and plug-in variant, neither is seen in Australia.

“Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment.” Hyundai’s head of R&D, Woong-Chul Yang said.

“Ioniq embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; Ioniq is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”

The Ioniq will become Hyundai’s first global green model, and while the final look is still being kept under wraps, the first teaser image (top of page) shows an aerodynamically-optimised flowing roofline, terminating in a high ‘kamm tail’ style rear.

The Ioniq name itself is a portmanteau of ‘ion’, an electrically-charged atom, and ‘unique’.

Green Cars