2017 Ioniq by Hyundai

2017 Ioniq by Hyundai

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Marco Carvajal

Videos by Marco Carvajal

Hyundai has created a new type of car, with new electric and hybrid technology, the 2017 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in Hybrid, available for the first time in the United States

The 2017 IONIQ

What is the IONIQ? this was the first thought that came through my mind when I heard the name of this new car. The name caught my attention, it sounds like a car from the future.

I was recently invited by Hyundai Motor America to the city of Durham in North Carolina to test drive and learn about this new modern type of car, the IONIQ. I was able to test drive different models of this very interesting eco-friendly and kind of futuristic car. I was able to meet and talk with top executives from Hyundai to learn more about the Ioniq.

Hyundai has created a new type of car, with new electric and hybrid technology, the 2017 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in Hybrid. The Ioniq is available for the first time in the United States now in 2017. For Hyundai, the Ioniq is a very important milestone in their global sustainability strategy, it seems that this can be the car that finally help car buyers decide to switch from regular gasoline cars into an electric or hybrid car

You can view the Interview I had with Brandon Ramirez from Hyundai Motor America about the IoniQ:

http://www.automotorpro.com/new-cars/2017-hyundai-ioniq-interview

Also available on YouTube:

As I learn about the Ioniq, for a moment I felt inside the movie “Back to the future”, driving an electric Ioniq that came from the future to us today in 2017, it almost can fly.

The first new Ioniq vehicles are starting to appear in dealerships in California in April 2017, and soon expanding availabiltiy through all the United States. The Ioniq is available in 3 distinct electrified powertrains, all 3 models on a single, smart and eco-focus dedicated vehicle platform.

The new Ioniq is available on a beautiful modern design look, it provides a great driving experience with the latest technologies on safety. The Ioniq is very appealing, it has a beautiful and spacious interior and with new hybrid, hybrid plug-in, and electric engines.

I think that a key element of future success for this is car is pricing, the Ioniq is available for a very low price just above the $20,000. It sounds like the car that every American should own. Just like a few years ago everybody started to buy iPhones or Smart Phones, and now days it is hard to function well without one of these phones, it seems that in the near future every home should also have this type of electric or hybrid car parked in their garage. For some drivers this is the perfect every day car, for other drivers this might be better as a second card, but either way it seems like a great automobile to own.

According to Hyundai, Ioniq Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient vehicle and Ioniq Electric is the most efficient electric vehicle in the U.S. market

“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, enjoyable to drive, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”

World’s first dedicated vehicle platform with three electrified 
low-and zero-emission powertrain choices

According to Hyundai, Ioniq Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient vehicle and Ioniq Electric is the most efficient electric vehicle in the U.S. market

About Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America has its headquarters in Fountain Valley, California. It is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships in the United States.

2017 HYUNDAI IONIQ HYBRID AND ELECTRIC MODELS ARE PRICED TO ATTRACT ENTIRELY NEW ECO-FOCUSED BUYERS

POWERTRAIN CHOICES

Hyundai has created the Ioniq for high energy efficiency, as a solution towards cleaner mobility, with great driving performance. There are 3 main powertrain choices.

• 2017 Hyundai IONIQ HYBRID
• 2017 Hyundai IONIQ PLUG-IN HYBRID
• 2017 Hyundai IONIQ ELECTRIC

PRICING

Hyundai Motor America has provided pricing details for its Ioniq Hybrid and Electric models. According to Hyundai this is the first vehicle in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single platform.

“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

“With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, enjoyable to drive and low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”

2017 HYUNDAI IONIQ HYBRID PRICING

2017 HYUNDAI IONIQ ELECTRIC

Freight Charges for the 2017 Ioniq Hybrid or Electric are $835.

Warranty

Providing great confidence to car buyers, all Hyundai cars sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

Both models feature a new Kappa 1.6L direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an unsurpassed thermal efficiency of 40 percent, delivering an estimated 104 horsepower and an estimated 109 lb.-ft. of torque.

This engine was specially adapted by Hyundai for hybrid technology. It comes with quick-shifting six-speed double-clutch transmission.  The Ioniq high-efficiency electric motor can operate at speeds up to 75 MPH and delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist when driving at higher speeds.

The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 32 kW (43 horsepower) with an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery is efficiently positioned under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers a total system output of 139 horsepower while providing low emissions, outstanding efficiency and range. The Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an EPA-estimated 58 MPG combined rating, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market.

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid provides an all-electric range of more than 27 miles based on preliminary internal estimates, powered by a potent 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid’s estimated 45kW (60 horsepower) electric motor is coupled with the 1.6 direct-injected Atkinson four-cylinder Kappa engine.

Ioniq Electric

This model offers pure electric mobility with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for an estimated driving range of 124 miles. The electric motor has a maximum output of 88 kW (118 horsepower) and 218 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a single-speed reduction-gear transmission. The Ioniq Electric has an EPA-estimated 136 MPGe rating, according to Hyundai this is the highest efficiency rating of any electric vehicle sold in the U.S. market so far.

Six-speed dual-clutch transmission

The Ioniq Hybrid and the Plug-in feature a six-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which boasts best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil, and is able to achieve great driving performance and fuel efficiency.

SPORT or ECO driving modes

SPORT driving mode holds lower gears longer and combines power from the engine and electric motor for maximum performance.

ECO driving mode optimizes gear selection for efficiency, upshifting earlier to achieve better fuel economy.

Advanced Battery Technology

The Ioniq uses a lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion batteries and can be shaped more optimally to the interior than the standard cell format batteries. This type of battery provides excellent charge and discharge efficiency, an a greater maximum power output.

An integrated In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) also allows drivers to charge their Ioniq using a standard household electric socket.

For faster charging than using regular electric sockets, the Ioniq electric models are equipped with Level-3 DC fast-charging capability. Charging the Ioniq Electric’s lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 percent takes approximately 23 minutes using a SAE Combo Level-3 DC, 100 kW fast charger.

The Ioniq’s battery is located underneath the rear seats so that the passenger cabin and cargo area has more space in the Ioniq Hybrid, with a total interior volume of an estimated 122.7 cubic feet.  The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and the Ioniq Electric, have larger batteries, but offer a good total interior volume of an estimated 120.0 cubic feet.

Tires

The Ioniq uses Michelin® low-rolling-resistance tires for 15, 16 and 17 inch wheels. The multi-link suspension in the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid has been configured to work efficiently with low-rolling-resistance tires, minimizing typical tire performance disadvantages.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Ioniq’s exterior is inspired by advanced aerodynamics. It has a beautiful futuristic look, with an attractive aerodynamic shape. A fluid exterior with smooth air flow channels to create aerodynamic body lines with a great appealing modern design. Interesting exterior features like a sporty, hatchback-like style, front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, floor undercover and a closed-wheel design. In addition to Ioniq aerodynamics, further design details distinguish the Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric models from one another. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid feature a three-stage active air flap integrated with the front grille. A closed front fascia differentiates the Electric model exterior.

According to Hyundai, their engineers and designers worked closely to ensure form and function evolved simultaneously in a complementary fashion. The Ioniq has a very low 0.24 coefficient of drag, it is very aerodynamic.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior of Ioniq seems to be in harmony with the car’s high-tech and futuristic features. The interior is very comfortable, spacious and trendy.

Materials for the interior were chosen by Hyundai with an ecologically-sensitive focus to  create a simple and clean look. Eco-focused materials create clean and sustainable interior ambience. The ioniq uses recycled or ecologically-sensitive materials. The interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone while providing the same quality appearance of typical plastic-based materials. The softer, more natural feel is achieved along with less reliance on oil-based products. Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are partly applied on the headliner and carpet. Paint with renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil is used to achieve lustrous metallic colors.

As part of the Ioniq maximization of resources, the Ioniq climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. The fully-automatic climate control can be set to ‘Driver only’ mode, reducing the load of both air conditioning and heating on the overall powertrain. The Ioniq also features console-mounted rear air vents for rear passenger’s enjoyment.

The Electric model has more room between the front seats due to the use of a shift-by-wire push-button drive selector free of mechanical links. The Ioniq features an electronic parking brake (EPB), saving space in the center console.

The Ioniq Hybrid offers great cargo space by positioning the battery underneath the rear seats. The rear seats can be folded down, providing an estimated 26.5 cubic feet of cargo area volume for large pieces of luggage. All Ioniq models also offer generous front and rear headroom, shoulder and leg room.  Memory driver’s seat and heated front seats are also nice features included.

FEATURES:

Smart Cruise Control adjusts constant speed and the distance to be maintained from the car ahead without moving the accelerator or brake pedals; It automatically cancels when speed drops to 5 mph or more. The Ioniq Electric features a Smart Cruise Control, providing fully automatic stop/start.

Ioniq features state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features. Ioniq is equipped with a high-definition 7-inch TFT information cluster. With a resolution osf 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all gauge functions (speedometer, drive mode, fuel level). Depending on the selected drive mode, background color and gauges are adapted to always provide useful information. Within SPORT mode, the display changes into a revolving digital speedometer that is surrounded by an analog-type tachometer, showing engine rpm in red. When choosing ECO mode, the TFT-information cluster simulates the classic speedometer needle.

The Ioniq is equipped with state-of-the art connectivity features and advanced safety, including:

• Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto®
• Blue Link®
• Wireless charging for smartphones.
• 7-inch TFT instrument cluster displays all key driver information with outstanding resolution
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, for high levels of both active and passive vehicle safety.

Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care

The Ioniq lineup offers the Hyundai Blue Link connected car system with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment, however as a great bonus, the Ioniq Electric model also features complimentary standard three-year Blue Link services.

These services include:

• Automatic Collision Notification
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance
• Vehicle Diagnostic Alert
• Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling
• Remote Start with Climate Control
• Destination Search powered by Google®
• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Car Finder
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery.

Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, via the Blue Link smartphone app and now through the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill.

Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. Owners of Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Electric will also be able manage and monitor their car’s charging schedule remotely via the Blue Link® smartphone app or simply ask Alexa to start and stop charging as needed.

Blue Link smartphone app includes:

• Widgets for easy access to remote features, including an Ioniq Electric-specific widget
• Additional status indicators for trunk and hood open/closed
• Access to Blue Link notification settings
• Access to the Hyundai accessories website

SAFETY FEATURES

The Ioniq has a light but rigid body, featuring more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel, with high impact-energy absorption and minimizing cabin distortion to protect passengers in case of accidents.

Some of the active safety features included are:

• Blind Spot Detection, which works with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn the driver of any surrounding vehicles, passengers or objects that could lead to a collision
• A Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is also offered, which sounds an alarm as the car moves over lane lines if the driver did not signal for an intended lane change.
• Rear parking sensors
• Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, even braking automatically as required.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• A total of seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver.
• Body structure improvements, including a a high-strength fiber-reinforced rear bumper fascia makes the entire Ioniq line-up strong.

CHARGEPOINT® LOCATIONS

ChargePoint has the world’s largest electric vehicle charging network with more than 32,000 locations for electric charge of electric cars. Part of this network includes more than 400 Express DC fast-charging sites. ChargePoint locations are increasing fast, and part of Hyundai’s strategy to achieve success with the Ioniq is to help ChargePoint to expand their locations through the United States. Ioniq owners have the capability to conveniently locate ChargePoint chargers on their mobile devices using the MyHyundai/Blue Link app.

CONCLUSION

The Ioniq is a new great eco-friendly car that uses electricity or hybrid electricity-gasoline technology with 3 different powertrain models available: IONIQ HYBRID, IONIQ PLUG-IN HYBRID and IONIQ ELECTRIC. This car has never been released anywhere in the world, it is making its debut in the United States now in 2017. The Ioniq is definitely a car of the future with many interesting features, advance aerodynamic technology,  a beautiful modern design, spacious interior. The Ioniq can save a lot of damages to the environment and a lot of dollars of savings in gasoline to its owners by using electric power.

There are still many details and concerns that car buyers and Hyundai will have to resolve, like new charging stations, eventually be able to increase electric power range, consumer education about electrical cars, but it seems that the Ioniq is a winner.

In terms of pricing it is very affordable with starting prices just above the $20,000.  Everything indicates that if Hyundai is able to do the right marketing and consumers are able to learn more about this car and test drive it, then Hyundai will sell thousands of Ioniqs in the U.S. and eventually in the world.