Cheaper Ioniq 6 — less power, smaller battery

0 0 November 21, 2023 Edit this post

by Alistair Kennedy

Hyundai Australia is now accepting orders for the upgraded version of its Ioniq 6 fully-electric sports sedan, with delivery planned for the first quarter of next year.

The current Ioniq 6 arrived here earlier this year, joining its sibling the Ioniq 5 SUV in Hyundai’s electric vehicle sub-brand range.

As before the 2024 Ioniq 6 comes with a choice of three grades, along with a new entry-level model, just called Ioniq 6.

It replaces the previous mid-spec Techniq and joins the current Dynamiq and Epiq models.

The addition of the new range-opening Ioniq 6 brings the starting price down to $65,500 plus on-road costs, around $8500 cheaper than the current entry-level Dynamiq -- but with a smaller battery and less-powerful motor.

Rear-wheel drive entry-level Ioniq 6 gets the choice of the 53.0 kWh standard battery that generates 111kW for a range of 429km or the existing extended range 77.4kWh battery with 168kW and up to 614km.

Dynamiq and Epiq models get the 77.4kWh extended-range battery, either with the single rear-wheel motor or the addition of a front motor providing AWD and a combined 239kW of power.

Driving range with the AWD setup is listed at 519km with the standard 20-inch wheels.

The standard Range battery option maintains the ultra-fast charging benefits of the 800V E-GMP architecture, to allow a charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes when connected to a 350kW charger.

Key changes in the 2024 Ioniq 6 include a standard battery conditioning system that can activate in cold climate conditions to heat the battery for improved DC charging and driving performance.

Battery conditioning can also pre-heat the battery in preparation for fast charging when a DC charger is set as a destination in the navigation.

Cabin heating in is handled by a high-efficiency heat pump system, which takes the place of a conventional electric heater.

The heat pump uses waste heat energy from other systems, as well as energy from the atmosphere, to warm the cabin in an advanced reverse cycle air-conditioning system.

Energy saved by using the heat pump serves to extend driving range.

A Vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature is standard from inside the Ioniq 6 but as an accessory from outside.

The new line-up offers improved eligibility to the various government subsidies and stamp duty exemptions available in selected states and territories across Australia.