The Hyundai Ioniq is the least expensive plug-in hybrid you can buy. The starting price is $26,300 before a $4,543 federal tax credit and local incentives. That’s an excellent price for a fun-to-drive hatchback that can travel its first 29 miles without using any gasoline. Commuters looking for an affordable, comfortable, and emissions-free daily ride should take a serious look at the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid.
Hyundai’s aerodynamic and attractive compact hatch is offered as a pure electric car with a driving range of about 170 miles. The starting price for the Ioniq EV is just over $31,200 before incentives. That makes it one of the most affordable electric vehicles. However, its 170-mile range is well below battery-powered models that cost a few thousand dollars more. Those competitors include the Hyundai Kona Electric SUV, which sells for about $38,000 while providing 259 miles of range.
Hyundai adds a plug-in hybrid system to its spacious, midsize Sonata sedan to grant 28 miles of all-electric range. The powerful motor and six-speed automatic transmission make for a capable but efficient drive. The 2020 Sonata gets a redesign to convey a sense of sportiness and to add tech, like a smartphone-based key system. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is a compelling package, although it doesn’t offer nearly the EV range of the 48-mile Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, its closest competitor.
Despite Lack of Publicity, Hyundai’s New EV Goes on Sale in Weeks
After remaining very quiet, Hyundai is stating to call attention to the Ioniq, its new EV that goes on sale before the end of the year. The Ioniq deserves attention as the first ever model to be offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric car.
Hyundai Likes Hydrogen, But Down on Electric Cars
Hyundai's C.E.O., John Krafcik, is quite candid about the limitations of battery vehicles and the superiority of fuel cells. But production of hydrogen cars is still a big question mark, and that means Hyundai/Kia needs plug-in cars to meet the California mandates.
Hyundai Says to Expect Electric Car Soon, Likely a Plug-in Sonata
Although Hyundai's recent strategy has been more focused on making the highest mileage non-plug-in vehicles they can, that doesn't mean electric cars are out for the brand. In fact, according to Mike O'Brien, Hyundai's Head of Product Planning, we can expect an announcement very soon regarding the introduction of Hyundai's first mass-market plug-in vehicle.
Hyundai Goes Super Green at Frankfurt Auto Show
The 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show won’t start until September 17, but Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company is already establishing itself as the company with perhaps the boldest vision for a green car future. Vehicles with Hyundai and Kia badges on display in Frankfurt will include hybrid city cars, a hybrid crossover SUV concept, an all-electric city car, a plug-in hybrid, diesel vehicles with micro-hybrid stop-start technology, and mid-size lithium-battery-powered sedans running on liquid petroleum gas.