Hyundai’s First Electric Vehicle, the 2017 Ioniq, out in Time for the Holidays

It is about time, some would say. That is, while like Honda and Toyota–respectively–each have had an electric vehicle platform for quite some time now, those of us who happen to consider ourselves Hyundai fans have been left holding our proverbial hats, so to speak, with regard to any sort of Hyundai vehicle designed specifically for electric and/or hybrid concepts. Well, the wait is officially over. That is to say, Hyundai recently announced that its very first vehicle specifically developed around an electric powertrain, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq, will go on sale in December of 2016 and will exclusively cater toward hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and/or battery electric drive technology.

Now, of course such a vehicle as the 2017 Ioniq will immediately draw comparisons to the Toyota Prius, and some of that comparison is justified. However, there are definitely differences between the two that make the Ioniq stand out against its Toyota competitor. For example, the Ioniq use a third generation hybrid powertrain that, unlike the Prius (which uses an electronic CVT with two motor-generators), uses a single electric motor positioned in-between the vehicle’s engine and its classic transmission. Too, a clutch between the engine and transmission works to completely decommission the engine for a completely electric ride.

Of course, like most hybrids on the market today, the 2017 Ioniq utilizes the Atkinson combustion cycle system, which means that the engine’s intake valve stays open longer to reduce pumping losses and improve efficiency. However, Hyundai has taken it a step further by implementing a new trend with regard to engine design that sees the increased use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Now, EGR technology helps to dramatically reduce pumping losses in the engine, but there are some limits as to how much someone can use before you start seeing combustion problems. Still, somehow Hyundai has managed to up the ante, pushing a whopping 20% mix of EGR when it comes to their engines.

For us Hyundai fans, the announcement and introduction of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is a huge deal, and one that gives us all sorts of butterflies not only about the vehicle itself, but also what technologies could come from what the automaker seems to be doing with its electric vehicle platform.

As is always the case, keep checking back in here with us at Rosen Hyundai for more information with regard to the all new 2017 Hyundai Ioniq. Too, while you are at it, why not stop by and sign up to test drive one of our many new vehicles? We can promise to do everything in our power to help you find the perfect vehicle!