Hyundai Plans A 250 Mile EV for 2020

Late this year will see the launch of two new EVs, the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Ioniq EV. The Bolt is the big story as it will offer a 200 mile range. The Ioniq EV will only have an 110 mile range. But that doesn't mean Hyundai isn't thinking about doing an electric vehicle with more range.

Byung K. Ahn, director of Hyundai’s Eco-Vehicle Performance Development group says the Korean automaker is planning to launch a 200 mile EV in 2018, and then a 250 mile EV two years later. It would be easy to think that Hyundai will just improve the Ioniq EV to reach these ranges, but Ahn said it wouldn't the Ioniq. For a vehicle to have a range of 200 miles or more, it requires a vehicle with a larger footprint. Despite the improvements in improvements in overall energy density and software mapping, sometimes the best solution is to throw more batteries at it.

Keep this in mind, the Chevrolet Bolt's wheelbase 3.9 inches shorter than the Ioniq (102.4 vs. 106.3 inches), while being able to provide a range of 200 miles. We're wondering if the design of the Ioniq's platform to allow three different powertrains - hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric - effects the overall packaging to fit more batteries.

Ahn said Hyundai is “looking at different possibilities” for their long-range EVs. This means it could be based on a current or new model.

Source: Car and Driver
Pic Credit: Newspress USA