Hyundai Motor Group’s “IONIQ 5” and “Imagine” that will be based on its first electric vehicle platform will be released in April and August of 2021 respectively.
Although the sizes of the two models will be similar to that of “Santa Fe”, their interior space is much bigger and is similar to that of Hyundai’s three-row SUV “Palisade”. They will also be equipped with V2L (Vehicle to Load) feature that allows the vehicles to freely use electricity that is stored in their batteries and every advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) of Hyundai Motor Group. Because they are also expected to be competitive in price as they will be sold around $42,200 (50 million KRW), they are expected to bring a sensation globally.
According to the industry on Tuesday, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 and Kia Motors’ Imagine will first be sold in South Korea in April and August of 2021 respectively. Their launching events will also be held in South Korea one month prior to their release dates.
Its CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) model is based on Hyundai Motor Group’s first electric vehicle platform “E-GMP”. The biggest characteristic of the platform is that the group has expanded interior space so that it can be used as a “living space” instead of a “transportation means”.
The model also provides two 220V electric plugs, which is the first in the industry, and allows consumers to freely use electricity stored in its battery. It is expected that the model will be useful for car camping and relaxation due to its eco-friendliness, roomy interior space, and an extra plug for home appliances and electronics.
It also has a range of 450km with single charge due to its high-voltage battery with large capacity. It can also be charged at an extremely fast rate of 350kW which is the first for a South Korean electric vehicle, and it also includes every ADAS that Hyundai Motor Group possesses.
Their electrical efficiencies are also great due to a next-generation high-efficient air conditioning and heating system. Consumers can perform firmware updates without having to visit a service center. Both cars also provide contactless charging service through “Car Pay” which is the first within the industry.
Their selling prices will be around $42,200 (50 million KRW) depending on their battery capacities. This price is about $8,450 (10 million KRW) cheaper than that of Tesla’s “Model 3” that costs anywhere between $45,300 (53.69 million KRW) and $62,200 (73.69 million KRW).
“The biggest characteristic of IONIQ 5 is its huge interior space that has not been felt in any current cars on the market.” said a spokesperson for Hyundai Motor Company. “We looked as we were developing a living space rather than car.” The spokesperson also told the Electronic Times that there is a chance that the two models can be made public by the end of this year.
Hyundai Motor Company recently announced its electric vehicle brand “IONIQ” based on its own electric vehicle platform and is planning to complete a lineup of compact CUV, midsized sedan, and three-row SUV.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Company’s concept car “45”, which reinterprets its “Pony coupe” into a modern model, was the motif for IONIQ 5.
Staff Reporter Park, Taejoon | gaius@etnews.com