Hyundai Introduces One Car With Three Different Powertrains

Hyundai has revealed the Ioniq which offers the choice of a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrain. How is this possible? It comes down to a new platform that was specifically built to underpin various powertrain and battery configurations.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models share a 1.6L four-cylinder engine with 104 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque. Where they differ is in the battery and electric motor configurations. The hybrid uses a 43 horsepower electric motor and 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The plug-in gets a 60 horsepower electric motor and a 9.3 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. We don't know the overall range of either model, but Hyundai claims a range of 31 Miles on electric power alone on the plug-in model.

The EV uses an 113 horsepower electric motor and a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hyundai claims an overall range of 155 Miles. We don't know how long it takes for the EV to recharge.

The Ioniq's exterior shape is largely designed with aerodynamic efficiency and looks similar to the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius. Hyundai says the shape gives the Ioniq an impressive 0.24 cd of drag. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid get open grilles with blue accenting on the bumper. The EV features a closed grille and orange accenting on the bumper.

The Ioniq will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. It will then travel to New York later in the month for the North American debut. We hope to learn more information, including price and possible release date then.