Offers Potential Tesla Buyers Something Else to Consider
The Hyundai Ioniq may not be on the same level as a Tesla, but at an affordable price it’s certainly a worthy choice for those looking to drive an electric car. With three different modes of propulsion on offer from Hyundai, it fits the needs of many. The push for electrification at Hyundai has placed them ahead of other traditional car manufactures.
As an owner of a Tesla Model 3 it is not easy to admit that I could have saved some money and bought a Hyundai Ioniq instead. With that said, it’s true with anything there is always going to be a more affordable choice.
The two cars are very different and Tesla has created a brand that like Apple attracts a huge fan base. Honestly I was reluctant to even write about Hyundai and comparing it as alternative to a Tesla. Well let’s not compare the Hyundai Ioniq directly to a Tesla, but let’s discuss it on it’s own merits.
With Hyundai you get well-built car and a reliable dealer network. Although electric cars have less issues and need less maintenance than internal combustion vehicles, it is nice to have dealer support. And to be fair there is Tesla service and support and it is getting better over time and Tesla offers service right in your driveway in a growing number of areas.
There is an Ioniq for all, or so it seems. The Ioniq is sold as a very efficient Hybrid for those that may not be able to charge at home or like to travel long distances. They offer the plug-in hybrid for those that can charge at home and may have a short commute to work, with the option to kick into gas if you exhaust the electric range for those longer drives. The fully electric version had the range boosted to over 170 miles for the 2020 model.
The interior looks like any other car in the Hyundai lineup. There are the usual displays and knobs you find in any traditional car. They have add a few unique touches to complement the electrification of these vehicles. Unlike the Tesla Model 3 with the minimalist interior the Ioniq screams traditional car manufacture.
The adaptive cruise control package works well, but don’t expect an autopilot experience at this price point. Which truthfully adaptive cruise control works fine for most people driving down the highway, minus the steering that autopilot provides. The infotainment system looks great and with the optional 10.25 inch touch display provides sufficient screen real estate, and provides a great user experience.
The Hyundai of today is very different from the company that brought us the Pony. They still make affordable cars and the current lineup of cars and SUV’s are solid. The company is well-established and they have a good reputation in the market. The reason I mention this is that some people might be afraid to spend money on an electric car because it’s new technology. There is a fear that they need to replace the battery at a high cost. The battery is under warranty and you get 10 years or 100,000 miles. That means you really should not have to worry about the battery. They got you covered for an extensive time.
The other concern people have about electric vehicles is that it takes a long time to charge. It depends on your needs. If you drive to work and back each day, when you get home just plug in for the night your ready to go the next day. If you opt for the all electric version of the Ioniq it has a fast charge port that can quickly charge to 80% in 54 minutes. If you use the 220/240V charge port it will take about 6 hours to charge from a depleted battery. The average commute in North America is about 40 miles or less per day.
That means charging is a no issue under normal day to day use. The ability to fast charge also means that you can find a public charging station and top up quickly during your day. Unlike a gasoline car you do not need to fill up to 100% most electric car drives only charge up to what they need in order to get to their destination. The Tesla Supercharger network is a plus for long distance driving, but the new Electrify America network is starting to take shape with their DC fast chargers.
Let’s be fair it might not be a cutting edge car like the Tesla Model 3, but at a lower price starting at about $33,000.00 US or $38,000.00 for a well-equipped model it’s worth considering or maybe not.
The price of the base standard range plus Tesla Model 3 was lowered as of late May 2020, now putting the two at almost at the same price. The advantage that Hyundai had has been lost on price. If they seriously want to compete they need to bring the price down.
In conclusion if you want to test the waters of electric car ownership the Ioniq is worth considering. With various versions of the car to fit different lifestyles you can adapt the model that is right for you.
There is also the Kona electric SUV if you need a slightly bigger vehicle. The future of the automobile is electric and Hyundai has invested in electrification for the long run. It will be exciting to see their next generation cars and the progress they are making with electrification.
With the lower price for Tesla Model 3 it’s going to be a tougher sell for Hyundai even-though they made a great car.
