Hyundai will launch a new dedicated green vehicle in January dubbed the IONIQ featuring three electrified drivetrain options in one body type.
Hyundai IONIQ will be available with electric, plug-in hybrid, or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain – the first car from any manufacturer to offer customers these three powertrain options in a single body type.
As part of Hyundai Motor’s ambition to chart the direction of future mobility, the IONIQ responds to rapidly changing customer lifestyles by breaking the mold for hybrid vehicles.
Detailing the plans today in a release, Woong-Chul Yang,Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. 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. 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 new car’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains. The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximize choice for its customers. Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.
Based on an exclusive new platform, made specifically for the car’s multi-powertrain options, the IONIQ chassis is optimised to deliver responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations. In its fully-electric (EV) form, the IONIQ is powered by a high capacity, ultra-efficient lithium ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines fuel-efficient energy with battery power obtained by charging the car with electricity, boosting its range while cutting its emissions. Finally, the hybrid (HEV) utilizes the petrol engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery, which returns enhanced efficiency by supplementing the engine’s power.
Hyundai Motor is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles and is committed to a future vehicle line-up comprising low- to zero-emission vehicles. This latest leap forward builds on Hyundai Motor’s heritage of world-first environmental developments. In 2013, Hyundai Motor became the first car manufacturer to mass-produce a hydrogen-fueled vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell.
Following its world premiere in Korea in January, the IONIQ is due to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show, followed by the New York Auto Show, both in March 2016.
