IONIQ – A Leap Forward For Hybrid Vehicles As Hyundai Introduces The First Car With Three Electric Powertrains

A World-First: Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type

December 7, 2015 – Hyundai Motor has announced the name of its advanced, alternative-fuel compact vehicle due for launch in 2016: the Hyundai IONIQ. The car will be available with electric, plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid, or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain – the first car from any manufacturer to offer customers these three powertrain options in a single body type.
As part of Hyundai Motor’s ambition to chart the direction of future mobility, while enhancing the lives of its customers, the IONIQ responds to rapidly changing customer lifestyles by breaking the mold for hybrid vehicles. As the world’s first model to offer customers the choice of three powertrain options, the IONIQ combines class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design, a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle.

Woong-Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”

The new car’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains. The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximize choice for its customers. Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.

Based on an exclusive new platform, made specifically for the car’s multi-powertrain options, the IONIQ chassis is optimized to deliver responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations. In its fully-electric (EV) form, the IONIQ is powered by a high capacity, ultra-efficient lithium ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines a fuel-efficient energy with battery power obtained by charging the car with electricity, boosting its range while cutting its emissions. Finally, the hybrid (HEV) utilizes the gasoline engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery, which returns enhanced efficiency by supplementing the engine’s power.

Hyundai Motor is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles and is committed to a future vehicle line-up comprising low- to zero-emission vehicles. This latest leap forward builds on Hyundai Motor’s heritage of world-first environmental developments. In 2013, Hyundai Motor became the first car manufacturer to mass-produce a hydrogen-fueled vehicle, the Tucson Fuel Cell (ix35 Fuel Cell in some markets).

Following its world premiere in Korea in January, the IONIQ is due to be shown at the Geneva International Motor Show, followed by the New York Auto Show, both in March 2016.

IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles
Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor’s Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ – the next generation of hybrid vehicles.

Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility.”

Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world’s first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum. The new model saves 12.6kg (45%) of weight by casting non-structural bodywork from aluminum, such as the hood, tailgate and suspension components. Where crash structure or energy absorption is necessary, the structure features Advanced High Strength Steel that can withstand significant collision forces.

The new model was created with dynamic ride and handling at its core, a characteristic that sets the IONIQ apart from other hybrid vehicles. Positioning the car’s batteries low and forward achieves a low center of gravity that enables highly responsive, stable cornering. The IONIQ furthers its handling prowess with dual lower arm multi-link suspension fitted at the rear.

Inside IONIQ: the evolved hybrid system

The full IONIQ range will feature a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, a World-First for a single model. At the unveiling in Korea, details were shared for the first version to come to market – the hybrid.

With the world’s highest thermal efficiency (40%), the new 1.6-liter Kappa GDi engine developed exclusively for Hyundai Motor’s hybrid engines, combines with the permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 105ps and 43.5ps – engine and motor respectively.

Within the engine, class-leading thermal efficiency of 40% is achieved, while the head and block is split for optimized cooling. Plus, the 200 bar high pressure 6-hole direct fuel injector further improves fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Alongside this, the Lithium Ion Polymer Battery delivers outstanding charge and discharge performance, optimizing output from the high voltage motor and allowing for rapid regeneration. Controlling power distribution is a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which presents a dynamic driving experience unique to IONIQ. Class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7% delivers a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid’s efficiency.

About Hyundai Motor
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is committed to becoming a lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond. The company leads the Hyundai Motor Group, an innovative business structure capable of circulating resources from molten iron to finished cars. Hyundai Motor has eight manufacturing bases and seven design & technical centers worldwide and in 2014 sold 4.96 million vehicles globally. With almost 100,000 employees worldwide, Hyundai Motor continues to enhance its product line-up with localized models and strives to strengthen its leadership in clean technology, starting with the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, Tucson Fuel Cell ( or ix35).