With only a few months to go before its launch, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has some new information about itself. It details the secret of its impressive autonomy.
While the number of charging stations worldwide continues to grow and electric cars can travel ever greater distances, the range remains a barrier to purchase. But manufacturers are working to find solutions, and Hyundai seems to be mainly on the right track.
Hyundai Ioniq 6, MORE THAN 600 KILOMETERS ON A CHARGE
Officially unveiled last June, the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 should allow the most anxious to be reassured. As the brand explains in a press release, the electric sedan, which expands the range alongside the Ioniq 5, has a great range of 614 kilometres according to the European WLTP cycle.
Its main rival, the Tesla Model 3, can theoretically travel up to 626 kilometres WLTP in its Long Range version. This is a slight difference, as the Korean sedan has 53 and 77 kWh batteries, compared to about 80 kWh for its Californian rival.
But what is the secret of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which has a low fuel consumption of 13.9 kWh/100 km (compared to 14.9 kWh for the Model 3 Propulsion) despite its weight? As Hyundai details in its press release, it’s all about aerodynamics. Unlike the Ioniq 5, which has more angular lines, the electric sedan is distinguished by a sleeker silhouette.
The company described its new arrival as an “electrified streamliner” in its first teaser, meaning an “electrified aerodynamic object”. And indeed, it has a Cx of only 0.21, the lowest for a production vehicle of the brand. And one of the lowest on the market.
READ MORE: Hyundai Ioniq 5 (58 kWh): the cheapest and fastest charging electric car
Hyundai Ioniq 6, NUMEROUS OPTIMIZATIONS
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a Cx of 0.29, which is still quite respectable. The “6” is then very close to equalizing with the Mercedes EQS, which has a Cx of 0.20, the lowest of the current car production. Only the Lightyear 0 does better, with a record of 0.175.
It is the most aerodynamic car in the world and will be officially launched at the end of the year with its solar-powered electric motor. It will then have a slightly more extended range than the Hyundai Ioniq 6, with about 625 kilometres on a “small” 60 kWh battery.
To reach such a low figure, Hyundai engineers have done a lot of work, as more than 5,000 hours of computer simulations were performed, as Automotive News explains. In particular, the sedan gets more aerodynamic camera mirrors, while active flaps are installed at the front, opening only to cool the battery when necessary. Finally, the brand has designed specific tires offering better air resistance.
As a reminder, the Korean sedan is based on the E-GMP platform of the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 and has an 800-volt architecture like the latter. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. This compares to the 30 minutes needed by its competitor, the Tesla Model 3.
The prices have not yet been revealed for the moment, while the first deliveries should begin in the coming months, according to the Hyundai press release. With such significant autonomy and an ultra-fast charge, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 could become the fastest car on long journeys. A title currently held by the Kia EV6.