Ioniq Electric

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Hatchback

Only a few days ago we got another look at Hyundai's upcoming all-electric hatchback with even less camouflage than before. Based on the 45 Concept first shown last September at Frankfurt, the production-spec version, which probably won't be called '45,' will feature similar but still toned down styling compared to the concept, but unlike the current Hyundai Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric, it will ride on new the automaker's new Electric Global Modular Platform.

Today, our spy photographers have not only sent us new photos of a prototype with even less camouflage than just a few days ago, but a report from South Korean website AutoDaum also claims something quite interesting. The EV hatchback will be the first Hyundai to feature cameras instead of traditional side mirrors. Hyundai wants to keep this a secret so test engineers have fitted the prototypes with sets of fake side mirrors in an attempt to fool us.

But what these latest spy shots do reveal for the first time are the pop-out door handles, originally made popular on the Tesla Model S.

The South Korean report also claims to know the production vehicle's final dimensions, which measure at 182.4 inches in length and 74.4 inches in width. This is similar in size to the current Hyundai Santa Fe. Its height measure at 61.6 inches, about that of the Kona. Its wheelbase has a length of 118 inches, longer than the full-size Palisade SUV's 114-inch wheelbase. Why such a long wheelbase for a vehicle this size? Because of the large battery pack it needs to accommodate.

Supposedly, this battery pack will be compatible with an ultra-fast charging station, allowing owners to get an 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes. At present, many EVs require 40 minutes to receive this amount of charge. Hyundai is also moving fast to build ultra-fast chargers in Europe and the US in order to accommodate owners of the new EV hatchback the moment it goes on sale.

And speaking of which, when will that happen? Sales are said to begin in March next year in Europe and in July for the US. If that's the case then expect a reveal later this year, possibly at the 2020 LA Auto Show.