Hyundai’s Electric Revolution

Hyundai’s Electric Revolution: Pioneering the Path Toward Sustainable Mobility

Already a major player in the production of electric vehicles, Hyundai Motor Company has set its corporate GPS for an ambitious destination: To be one of the top three EV manufacturers in the world by 2030 – and to have an all-electric lineup by 2040.

The South Korean automaker, which has a state-of-the-art assembly plant in Montgomery, AL, intends to produce 18 electric models and to move 2 million vehicles annually from the sales floor to the highway.

Investment in research and development has already begun, and the company intends to build new plants and platforms to accommodate the expanded EV production capacity.

As Hyundai explained on its website:

For us, electricity is more than a form of energy. It’s an expansive vehicle lineup that has four different kinds of electrified powertrains. It’s a complete range of energy products that helps you take charge of your home’s electricity. It’s an ingenious EV platform that’s flexible enough to be used for our entire IONIQ series. Electricity powers our belief in the future, which is why our goal is for every Hyundai to be electrified by 2040.

Hyundai’s understanding of consumers’ concern for the environment helps position the company as a leader in EV growth. It’s also in line with governmental efforts, including federal funding to build out a national EV charging network, and state-level initiatives to reduce – or in the case of California, eventually ban – the sales of gas-powered vehicles.

EVs are known for a number of positive impacts on the environment. They have no tailpipe emissions, which means they don’t contribute to air pollution. They’re also quiet, so there’s no noise pollution, and they don’t use engine oil, which is bad for the environment – plus, you don’t have to schedule oil changes. And you don’t have to stop at the gas station either, which always seems to be crowded when you’re on the way to work.

Other advantages for Hyundai EV drivers include:

• Quick acceleration, thanks to the electric motor that smoothly delivers instant torque
• Limited complimentary charging provided by Hyundai for Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric owners
• Tax credits and incentives, as well as grants and rebates, from states or local utility companies, where available
• Permission to drive solo in the carpool lane, where available

Operating costs also can be lower – sometimes much lower – for EV drivers. Repair and maintenance costs can be as much as 50 lower than for similar conventional vehicles, a Consumer Reports study found. In addition. charging at home (or work – more companies are offering charge points for their employees) can save an EV driver an average of $800 to $1,000 a year compared to equivalent gas-powered cars.

Source: Consumer Reports study

Source: charging costs

EVs come in three main types:

• EV, or fully electric vehicle, which runs solely on electricity and has to be plugged in to recharge the motor. How far you can go is measured in range, not miles per gallon, and varies from vehicle to vehicle.
• Plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which has an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor – and a gas tank and a charging port. It’s similar to a hybrid but has a larger battery along with the electric motor and can be charged at240-volt L2 charging stations. You can have an L2 installed at home if you upgrade your electric panel. The motor has to be plugged in to recharge.
• Self-charging hybrid (HEV), a low-emission vehicle that uses an electric motor to assist a gas-powered engine. All of the vehicle’s propulsion comes from gasoline.
  

  ---

Performance, sustainability and savings are essential – but appearance counts too, and Hyundai doesn’t scrimp on style. Hyundai’s current EV lineup consists of these chic and efficient vehicles:

• Kona: A sleek, versatile SUV with a 258-mile range (EPA estimate). Available in three trims – SE, SEL and Limited – all of which feature comfortable interiors and the latest in safety and info/entertainment tech.
• Ioniq 6: A coupe-style sedan that features ultra-fast charging, LED pixel lights and cutting-edge tech. Weather lease or purchase, it also comes with a Level 2 home charger and an installation credit of up to $600.
• Ioniq 5: An AWD wagon with room for five. Car & Driver called the 2024 model year “fun to drive” and “[one] of the best EVs sold today.” It also has fast-charging capability, a feature usually found on pricier rides. 
  

  ---

Hyundai also produces these plug-in hybrids:

• Santa Fe: A rugged AWD SUV that can go up to 30 miles on a charge, then switch over to a more standard gas engine. This one is ready for adventure and can tow up to 2,000 pounds – and trailer sway control is included. Also available as a hybrid.
• Tucson: A compact SUV named Best Plug-In Hybrid (2023 model year) by U.S. News & World Report. Practical and ready for adventure, it comes with HTRAC all-wheel-drive and remote smart parking assist. Also available as a hybrid.
  

  ---

Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, offers the GV60, the company’s first dedicated EV model. The coupé crossover utility vehicle (CUV) sets a high bar for luxury, performance and styling and features an advanced multi-charging system that (at 350kW with the ultra-charging function) can take the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.

The Electrified GV70 is an SUV designed for off-road adventures. It’s the first Genesis equipped with E-Terrain Mode for a stable driving experience no matter what the road surface. Its fast-charging, long-range battery eliminates range anxiety while all-natural leather seats make the ride luxurious.

Thinking of giving up the gas and switching to plug-in power? Visit your nearest Hyundai or Genesis dealership to see these models in real life. Our experienced sales representatives can answer your questions about this emerging technology – and then get you set up for a test drive.

Step into the future of transportation. We look forward to showing you how this trailblazing technology can raise your driving experience above the ordinary.