Currently, Hyundai offers a choice of four plug-in electric models. The selection ranges from the long-distance 258-mile Kona Electric crossover and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid full-size sedan to the affordable Ioniq hatchback, available as either a pure EV or plug-in hybrid.
But that’s only the beginning of Hyundai’s shift to EVs and plug-in hybrids. The company is investing more than $87 billion to produce 23 EV and six plug-in hybrid models globally by 2025. By that time, Hyundai plans to sell more than a half million EVs a year. Some of its electric models will be badged as Kia and Genesis vehicles.
Hyundai’s vision for an electric transportation future includes hydrogen fuel cells, autonomous vehicles, shared electric scooters, and even flying electric taxis.
The Hyundai Kona Electric, a small crossover, provides 258 miles of driving range on a single charge. That puts the Kona Electric alongside the Chevy Bolt as one of the most affordable and longest range EVs. A Long Range Tesla Model 3 beats them both, but comes with a steeper price tag.
The Kona, a compact crossover about the size of a Honda HR-V or Jeep Renegade, has a youthful vibe. Its 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space also makes it a practical daily commuter. The Kona EV puts a single 201-horsepower electric motor on the front wheels to grant brisk acceleration and a top speed of 104 miles per hour.
The Kona Electric is available in three trim levels. The base SEL features cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a push-button start. Upgrade to the Limited version to add leather seats and a sunroof, or the Ultimate package to include ventilated front seats, navigation, and adaptive cruise control.
The Hyundai Ioniq compact hatch is available as either a pure EV, a plug-in hybrid, or a conventional gas hybrid. The all-electric version provides 170 miles of driving range, while the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid allows drivers to travel 29 miles on battery power before the gas engine is used.
Regardless of powertrain, the Hyundai Ioniq is a handsome hatchback with a sporty feel. The Ioniq measures a foot longer than the Chevy Bolt and offers five more cubic feet of cargo than a Prius liftback.
With an EPA rating of 133 miles-per-gallon equivalent, the Ioniq Electric is one of the most efficient vehicles on the road. The stellar efficiency carries over to the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid for both its electric and internal-combustion operations. After the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid’s first 29 miles running on the battery pack, it offers an impressive 52 miles per gallon when powered by gasoline.
From late 2015 through early 2020, Hyundai offered a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Sonata mid-size sedan. Its 9.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides 28 miles of all-electric range, more than enough for a typical commute. That decent range in a sizable family sedan—plus its four-door, fastback style—is a compelling combination.
Unfortunately, Hyundai decided not to update the latest Sonata with a plug-in hybrid option, instead focusing on future pure electric models.
Hyundai’s electric vehicles are equipped with a 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger. When using high-powered fast charging stations like the JuiceBox, drivers can add about 25 to 40 miles of range per hour. A charge from empty to full in the Kona Electric takes about 9.5 hours, while a full charge of the Ioniq Electric needs around 6 hours.
When using a public DC fast charger, it takes less than an hour to charge a Hyundai Kona EV or Ioniq Electric from empty to an 80-percent state of charge. That’s based on drivers accessing a public charger capable of 100 kilowatts of power. The more common 50-kW charger will slow things down, but not by much. At that rate, the Hyundai EVs charge from empty to 80 percent in about 75 minutes.
DC fast charging is not often essential for plug-in hybrids, which have a smaller battery pack. The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, using a 240-volt charging station and its 3.3-kW onboard charger, can go from empty to full in about 2.5 hours.
The entire line of JuiceBox home chargers works well with Hyundai electric models. With each new generation of EVs, onboard chargers get faster charging time. Battery packs are also getting larger to provide more range. Buying a JuiceBox 40 or JuiceBox 48 will future-proof your home charging for a wide range of EVs for many years to come.