Hyundai Motor America has unveiled the Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric models for the U.S. market at the New York International Auto Show. According to Hyundai, the Ioniq is the first vehicle in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform.
The Ioniq comes in three distinct models sharing the same 0.24 drag coefficient that Hyundai says is derived from carefully designed surfaces.
The Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid both feature a new Kappa 1.6-liter, direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that delivers 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque with a thermal efficiency of 40%. Hyundai says that the new Kappa engine has been specifically tailored to the hybrid application and is paired with a six-speed double-clutch transmission. The electric motor has a pure electric driving mode and delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds.
The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 43 horsepower along with an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb-ft. A 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery positioned under the rear passenger seats powers the electric motor. When combined with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers an estimated total system output of 139 hp while providing low emissions, outstanding efficiency and range.
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid provides an estimated all-electric range of about 25 miles and is powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Ioniq Plug-in’s 60 hp electric motor is coupled with the 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson four-cylinder Kappa engine for a total combined output of about 156 hp.
Finally, the Ioniq Electric is powered by a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for an estimated driving range of 110 miles on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s testing cycle. The electric motor has an estimated maximum output of 120 hp and 215 lb-ft. of torque through a single-speed reduction gear transmission. The Ioniq Electric has an estimated 125 miles per gallon-equivalent rating.
Hyundai chose to use a lithium-ion polymer battery pack for all Ioniq models, claiming that it is 20% lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion batteries and can be shaped more optimally to the interior than standard cell format batteries. Charging the lithium-ion polymer battery from 0% to 80% takes just 20 minutes using a SAE Combo Level 3 charger.
Hyundai has not specified when the Ioniq will go on sale in the U.S.
