2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Performance

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric's 134-horsepower AC electric motor and 38.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is tuned more for efficiency than dramatic performance. With its latest powertrain, the Ioniq Electric can get from 0-60 in around 8.3 seconds in real-world testing, which is close to the Leaf's eight-second time but still falls far short vs the Kona EV with its sub-seven-second time, not to mention the Tesla's 5.3-second time from the slowest Model 3. Overall, the Ioniq Electric doesn't feel as electrifying as quicker EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt, particularly from a standstill where the driver has to really dig into the throttle to elicit the instantaneous off-the-line verve that EVs are known for. Both Ioniq EV trims send their power to the front wheels exclusively.

The Hyundai's interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor and 319.4-volt electrical system produce peak outputs of 134 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. The motor is paired with a 38.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and routes outputs to the Ioniq's front-wheel drivetrain via a single-speed reduction gear system. As with any electric vehicle, off-the-line acceleration is sharp, however, in the Ioniq Electric, acceleration just doesn't quite feel as swift as in other EVs and the numbers back this up. While the Ioniq Electric's performance is fine for when cruising around town, power delivery does quickly begin to taper off once at higher speeds. Merging onto the highway and overtaking at higher speeds are maneuvers that will require some degree of patience.

While not having to change gears is something that takes a little time getting used to for those with limited EV experience, the Ioniq Electric features nifty steering-wheel-mounted paddles that are used for adjusting the potency of the regenerative braking system and its effect in off-throttle phases.

With the Ioniq Electric's 38.3 kWh lithium-ion battery fully charged, it's capable of an estimated range of around 170 miles; that's a 46-mile improvement over the 2019 model which featured a less powerful motor and smaller 28 kWh battery. Unfortunately, those mileage figures are still not as impressive as what many other EVs out there offer. The Nissan Leaf, for example, with its 62 kWh battery, offers a range of around 226 miles. The Tesla Model 3 offers ranges from 263 to 353 miles. The Ioniq Electric's estimated fuel economy figures are far more impressive, however, at 145/121/133 MPGe city/highway/combined. The Leaf's best figures sit at 123/99/111 MPGe and the Model 3's at 150/133/142 MPGe. Hyundai states that it'll take around 35.5 hours to fully charge the Ioniq Electric on a level 1 power outlet, six hours on a level 2 charger, and 80% charge can be accrued in just under an hour on a DC fast-charging system.