2017 Hyundai Ioniq Plugin Exclusive From The Geneva Motor show

Hyundai are definitely trying to show the world that their electric vehicles are a force to be reckoned with. The Geneva motor show saw the debut of the Hyundai Ioniq plugin (PHEV) model along with a hybrid fully electric version, offering three electric powertrains, the first from any vehicle manufacturer.

The Ioniq plug-in has a 1.6 GDI petrol engine which produces 104 HP and a 55hp electric motor. The 8.9kWh lithium battery pack running on its own will allow 39 miles of driving with just the electric motor and in total can produce 257mpg.

The Ioniq PHEV is joined by the hybrid version, which has a 1.6 L GDI engine with 103hp along with an electric motor which itself produces 43hp. The all electric Ioniq features an updated lithium ion battery pack, which is good for 118 HP and can give top speed of 103 mph and 155 miles driving range. One of the electrics standout features is its ability to rapid charge with an 80% capacity in 33 minutes from a public charger. The electric version can also be charged domestically and features regenerative braking to generate energy on the move.

The Ioniqs on show also featured a new chassis, which is said to have 'responsive handling, while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations.' This being done with advanced high-strength steel and aluminium, which has made the vehicles lighter by 12.6kgs. The aerodynamics of the vehicle have also been tweaked which will reduce drag and help with fuel efficiency. The hexagonal front grille also has flaps to redirect the air passing over the car.

The interior is said to go down the eco route wwith environmentally conscious materials, but there is no specifications as yet on the materials being used. The interior has a well laid out view of the controls and functions which include Android Auto and Apple Car Play, with the same touchscreen display as the Tucson as with the heating controls. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear traffic alert and blindspot detection.

The plug-in model is no surprise as emission regulations both home and abroad continually get squeezed each year and Hyundai's fuel cell model is also hoped to expand their range ongoing. The company look like they are trying to bridge the gap between gas powered vehicles and hybrids/electrics before moving ultimately onto fuel cell technology. We are still at the early stages of a completely electric highways, but giving a complete range such as Hyundai are doing at the moment will eventually sort the wheat from the chaff for which technology eventually wins out.

Image source: Wikipedia