Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

New Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicle gets big boosts in range and horsepower

Add as a preferred source on Google

Hyundai pulled the cover off the 2020 Ioniq Electric in Los Angeles today to reveal a whole host of upgrades over the previous model. The revised electric vehicle extends its range estimate from 124 miles to 170 miles with the addition of an upgraded 38.3-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The new battery pack also includes 36% more energy capacity than the 2019 Ioniq’s 28 kWh.

The Ioniq’s available horsepower increases from 118 to a healthy 134, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated 133 combined MPGe makes the 2020 Ioniq Electric one of the most efficient vehicles sold in America. The Ioniq goes head to head with the Nissan Leaf, and these improvements are meant to prevent the Nissan from running away with the affordable EV market.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV profile
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Charging improves from 6.6kw to 7.2kw, so that larger battery should not equate to longer charging time for the Hyundai.  And 100kw fast charging lets you charge from 0% to 80% in just 54 minutes at a commercial charging station.

Recommended Videos

All 2020 Ioniq models received a face-lift, with refreshed exterior and interior designs, additional infotainment technology, and new active safety and driving-assistance features. The interior includes a 10.25-inch navigation screen, new center LCD information screen, and touchscreen HVAC controls. Fully customizable ambient lighting lets your interior always match how you are feeling, or sets the mood for you and a special someone. The entire 2020 Ioniq line, including the Hybrid, Plug-in, and Electric models, are available to order now.

Vision T Crossover Concept

Giving showgoers a peek into future crossover plans, Hyundai also gave a glimpse at a new concept called the Vision T. This is the seventh in a whole series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing Hyundai’s evolving global design language, which the company calls “Sensuous Sportiness.” Key design features include hidden headlights and active grille shutters to increase aerodynamic efficiency.

Hyundai Vision T Concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The crossover SUV concept has a matte-green exterior finish with severe creases all over the body structure that lends the car an aggressive, modern look. Surprisingly, the concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain rather than an electric motor. It is notable that Hyundai, which already sells the fully electric Kona SUV, would debut a hybrid concept.

Jeff Zurschmeide
Jeff Zurschmeide is a freelance writer from Portland, Oregon. Jeff covers new cars, motor sports, and technical topics for a…
Mazda chief says the MX-5 Miata could go electric
2019 Mazda Mazda3 AWD review

For years, the idea of an electric Mazda MX-5 Miata felt almost impossible. The little roadster has always been celebrated for one thing above everything else: keeping things light. Add a heavy battery pack into the equation, and many enthusiasts assumed the Miata's trademark driving character would disappear along with it.

Mazda, however, appears to have changed its mind. In an interview with German publication auto motor und sport, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 is being developed with the possibility of an all-electric version in mind. It doesn't mean the iconic roadster is abandoning gasoline anytime soon. Still, it does suggest Mazda wants the Miata to survive in a future where internal combustion engines may no longer be an option.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz reveals the 2028 GLA in two flavors and plenty of cool tech
The 2028 GLA debuts in electric and hybrid form, featuring Gemini, ChatGPT, and up to 408 miles range.
2028-Mercedes-Benz-GLA-SUV

Mercedes-Benz just gave its smallest SUV a serious glow-up. The automaker unveiled the redesigned 2028 GLA, its entry-level compact SUV, arriving in both fully electric and hybrid form. Like the recently redesigned CLA sedan, the GLA now rides on Mercedes' next-generation MMA platform.

What's new with the 2028 GLA's design and powertrain?

Read more
Hongqi says its new EV tech can charge a battery in just eight minutes, beating BYD
Hongqi EH7 car in green

It seems that every other month, a new company is coming out with battery-charging tech that’s defying our expectations. A few months back, BYD, the Chinese EV maker, impressed everyone with its “flash charging” system that could take its car from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Now, Chinese automaker Hongqi has beaten that record. 

How fast is Hongqi's new battery?

Read more