The Hyundai Ioniq Electric was a deliberately calculated entry into the Australian EV market. Where other EVs arrived with long range claims and high price tags, the Ioniq Electric offered a smaller, lighter, more efficient package aimed at the buyer who drives mostly in the city and wants to pay less for the privilege. It uses a purpose-built hybrid platform, which means none of the packaging compromises of a converted petrol car.
With 88 kW and 295 Nm on tap, the Ioniq Electric moves quickly through city traffic in the way only EVs can. The lightweight platform keeps the real-world range figure achievable in everyday Australian conditions rather than just in laboratory testing. The interior is tidy and considered, with regenerative braking paddles on the steering wheel that let the driver recover energy actively on descents and in stop-start conditions.
The Ioniq Electric was the EV for the buyer who wanted to make the switch but needed the price to be closer to the mainstream than imports offered. In 2019 that made it a notable option. As a used EV today, it represents the beginning of the mainstream electric era in Australia.
The full review is on the CarTell.tv YouTube channel above.
