IAB reader Cibhi Sp spotted the Hyundai Ioniq
Electric in Chennai last week. Recall that the pure electric variant was
showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Hyundai was evaluating the Ioniq Electric and the Kona Electric for
India, and from these, it has selected the latter for commercialization first.
The model with a hatchback-like profile could be decided for the market based
on the customer reactions to the Kona.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a unique front-end to
set itself apart from the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The grille gives
way to a clean and sleek surface, as there’s no need to air cool an engine.
Other differentiators include LED headlamps and rear combination lamps with a
unique pattern, distinctive alloy wheels, copper-coloured character line below
the bumpers and copper-coloured interior accents.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric uses a 28 kWh Lithium-ion
polymer battery pack located underneath the rear seats that provides a range
(NEDC) of over 280 km. The car’s electric motor develops 120 PS and 295
Nm of torque, and its top speed is 165 km/h.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a 6.6 kW onboard
charger, and using a 7 kW wallbox it takes 4 hours 25 minutes to charge the
battery pack from empty to 100% charge. Using a 100 kW quick charger, charging
up to 80% takes about 23 minutes.
Hyundai will use the Kona Electric to understand the
market for EVs in India, and then, it will manufacture low-cost, high-volume
EVs that fall in A and/or B segment. The company plans to make India a
production hub for its entry-level EVs.
