2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric to Offer More Range and Connectivity

The Hyundai IONIQ, originally launched for 2017, is now set to receive design, connectivity and powertrain enhancements, none more important than a higher-capacity battery with longer range for the IONIQ Electric model.

The information comes from Hyundai Motor Europe, and we expect a Canadian announcement to be made soon.

By upgrading the 2020 IONIQ Electric’s battery from 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh, drivers will be able to travel farther between charges. The target is around 295 kilometres based on the WLTP test cycle, but the rating for North America will be slightly lower than that. Right now, the car sold here offers a range of 200 kilometres, which is on par with the Volkswagen e-Golf, yet lower than the Nissan LEAF and most of the newer EVs including Hyundai’s own Kona Electric (415 km).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Europe

The automaker is also switching to a standard 7.2-kW on-board charger (up from 6.6 kW) allowing the battery to reach 80 percent charge in as little as 54 minutes using a 100-kW fast-charging station. Meanwhile, the Eco mode will be upgraded to Eco+ to help drivers reduce their energy consumption even more.

As far as styling is concerned, the front of the new 2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric is updated with a new distinctive pattern on the closed grille (the hybrid and plug-in versions also show a redesigned fascia). The bumpers, wheels and lights are also refreshed, and a few paint colours are added to the menu.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Europe

Inside, the revised infotainment system with a new wide screen (up to 10.25 inches) makes it possible to connect two phones at the same time to listen to each phone’s music through Bluetooth streaming. Look for new seat trim options and a redesigned control panel for heating and climate control.

Furthermore, the integration of Blue Link connectivity services means drivers can remotely start and stop the vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, schedule and monitor charging, and control air conditioning via a smartphone app.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Europe

The 2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric will also be equipped with new SmartSense active safety technologies and, in select markets, a new eCall service that automatically dials emergency assistance when airbags are deployed or the call button located above the rear-view mirror is pressed.

As mentioned earlier, we’ll have to wait a little more to get Canadian-specific details including a release date.

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

Test Drives2018 Hyundai Ioniq: Electrification is Becoming Mainstream
It seems like electric vehicles have been scratching the surface of normalcy for quite a while now. Unfortunately, up until very recently, they have been too pricey or too ugly to consider for most buyers. That seems to be finally changing for good and cars like the Hyundai Ioniq are …
First DrivesThe 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is a Guaranteed Home Run
LOS ANGELES, California – The Car Guide has fallen under the spell of the 2019 Hyundai Kona, based on its quality of assembly, versatility, design, driving experience and value—and that’s why we have unanimously named it the best buy in the subcompact SUV segment for 2019. While our journalists debated …
ElectricHyundai Goes Electric Again… with a Double-Decker Bus!
Hyundai is starting to build quite a resume when it comes to electric vehicles. After launching the IONIQ , the first car ever to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants on the same platform, and impressing the entire world with the Kona Electric , which provides a range of …
FrankfurtHyundai to Unveil Pony-inspired EV Concept in Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Auto Show kicks off in less than a month (September 10-22) and one of the new vehicles we’ll be focusing on is a fully electric concept designed by Hyundai . Simply called “45,” this model will illustrate the styling direction of the Korean brand for its future cars.
Los Angeles2020 Hyundai IONIQ Lineup Gets a Proper Mid-cycle Update
The redesigned and upgraded 2020 Hyundai IONIQ lineup made its North American debut today at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, offering a fresh look, additional infotainment technology and new Hyundai SmartSense active safety features and driving assistance systems. The biggest improvement was made to the IONIQ Electric in the …