The electric vehicle manufacturers are moving fast and furious to introduce the fast-moving 100 percent electric models. The vehicles are magnificent in styling, engineering, performance, and safety. The only challenge is the source of electricity without the hybrid fossil fuel and battery combinations. Charging stations remain far and few to support the growing number of electric vehicles. The most sensible system is to charge the vehicles at home overnight, depending on usage. The mileage range seems to average about 217 miles for the electric car models tested to date.
The Hyundai Ioniq, driven this week, had a 270-mile capacity with a 7.2-hour charge time , the highest mileage tested so far. What that means is that for the average city commuter the mileage could last for a weekly work commute. Interesting to note that charge stations are starting to appear at medical and government service parking areas. However, it is unclear what the charge time and availability will be using and sharing the stations. Also, what will the charging expenses run for the KWs at various locations. Presently the electric charge costs are less than fossil fuel prices now hitting $4 a gallon. How long will it be for home and charge stations to gear up, and how will America deal with future huge demands for electricity depending on solar and wind, rather than coal and nuclear power.
My experience in driving 100-percent electric vehicles has been excellent; they really perform well with handling, air conditioning, and very high performance. In my opinion the latest Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric car tested so far. The mileage range is the longest and the electric consumption seemed far less than prior models tested. The Ioniq combined city and highway mileage is rated at 103 MPGs broken down to 111 city and 94 highway MPSs. Continuous driving on a flat terrain uses the most energy, stopping and starting in city traffic helps the system recharge itself and going downhill regenerates lost mileage. Going uphill into the mountains, on a hot summer day, with air condition on, dramatically reduces the factory mileage estimates.
I liked the simplicity of controls on the Ioniq and an impressive feature was to push a steering wheel button for eco, normal or sport modes. A big difference in the three modes, with all three suitable, the sport mode is awesome, but using more juice to the two electric motors and battery system. I would surmise that the “eco” mode only uses one of the two rear dual electric motors.
The Ioniq 6 limited, all-wheel drive, sports 20” alloy wheels, and is sporty in appearance with a sleek body and futuristic look. I had numerous parking lot patrons come ask about the car.
Door handles pop open automatically when arriving at the vehicle with the keys in hand or pocket, the car is driver friendly and easier to absorb the many buttons and dials. The windshield is wide and broad giving an excellent view of the highway. Seats are comfortable and easy to adjust with a black interior and “”Gravity Gold” paint exterior with an extra charge of $1000 to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $56,100.
When driving an electric car and taking pressure off the accelerator pedal the car immediately slows, like turning off a light switch in a room. Electricity is quick, stepping on the pedal gives instant power, and like the light switch, quick deceleration. Gasoline engines take more time to power up, or down, giving a gentle touch to acceleration.
The Ioniq has the screen view of passing lanes that is a real asset for drivers. When signaling, a view of the next lane appears on a round screen that helps eliminate that blind spot off the left bumper.
There is a long list of advanced safety features including forward collision avoidance, rear-cross traffic alert, and even driver alert warning if the car thinks you’re getting sleepy, several UBS charging ports and a full range of Bluetooth and navigations systems along with a Bose sound system.
The Ioniq has final assembly in Asan, Korea with engine and transmission manufactured in that country. No safety rating on this new vehicle at this time but should be a five-star score. Warranties are excellent with 100,000-mile/ ten-year power and electric systems.
Bottom line the engineering is outstanding and the support technology for mass transportation is challenging. These electric cars are not cheap and mileage limits versatility for convenient longer mile travel.
Consumers must be very clear how they will maintain and use electric vehicles at this point in time.