Hyundai has added a plug-in hybrid model to fill the gap between hybrid and electric variants
If you’ve recently been in the market for a new electrified car (either hybrid or fully electric), the Hyundai Ioniq has been one of the options on the table. Now, for the upcoming 2018 model year, a plug-in hybrid variant of the Ioniq joins the lineup. The Plug-in Hybrid model, claims Hyundai, increases the flexibility on the already fuel-thrifty Hybrid by adding 29 miles of all-electric range. That makes for 119 MPGe and 52 MPG combined, as well as a proclaimed 650 miles of total range. This eco-focused hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy for a quite reasonable price.
What’s different for 2018?
Externally, the hybrid and plug-in variant are nearly identical, save the addition of the charging port. It also has specially-designed 16-inch wheels to distinguish it from the Hybrid model. The Plug-in Hybrid features an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery good for 29 miles of all-electric range. When that runs out, it relies on a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, making 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque. That comes coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also features a 45kW (60 horsepower) electric motor that alone can propel the car up to 75 MPH.
The Hybrid, by comparison, uses a 1.6-liter as well, but it puts out 139 horsepower. The normal Hybrid’s electric motor produces just 43 horsepower instead of 60, and it has a 1.56 kWh battery. Updates for the Hybrid include paddle shifters on SEL and Limited models, as well as Lane Keep Assist on the SEL with the Tech package and Limited with the Ultimate package. To liven up your Hybrid, you can also now buy it in red for 2018.
Advanced aerodynamics help achieve impressive fuel economy
The 2018 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the Hybrid and Electric variants, achieve an impressive 0.24 drag coefficient, allowing for better fuel economy. In the Electric variant, you can achieve upwards of 124 miles, thanks to its 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Its efficient form allows the Ioniq Electric an EPA-estimated 136 MPGe – the highest of any current U.S.-market electric vehicle. On Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models, three-stage active air flaps integrated with the front grille bring the Cd rating down to match the Electric.
ChargePoint support
Hyundai is collaborating with ChargePoint to make your Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid or Electric experience easier. When you buy an Ioniq, you’ll receive a welcome kit including your ChargePoint access cards. That means you’ll be able to use the world’s largest EV charging network, with 32,000 locations. There are also 400 DC fast-charging sites for your Ioniq Electric.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid Pricing
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid models start at $24,950 MSRP. If you’re looking for more features, the Limited version rings in at $28,300 MSRP. The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, one of the Ioniq’s chief competitors, starts at $33,400 MSRP.
