Currently, Hyundai offers a choice of four plug-in electric models. The selection ranges from the Santa Fe and Tuscon plug-in hybrids to the longer-range Kona Electric and Ioniq 5.
But that’s only the beginning of Hyundai’s shift to EVs and plug-in hybrids. The company is investing more than $87 billion to produce 23 EV and six plug-in hybrid models globally by 2025. By that time, Hyundai plans to sell more than a half million EVs a year. Some of its electric models will be badged as Kia and Genesis vehicles.
Hyundai’s vision for an electric transportation future includes hydrogen fuel cells, autonomous vehicles, shared electric scooters, and even flying electric taxis.
The Hyundai Kona Electric, a small crossover, provides 260 miles of driving range on a single charge. That puts the Kona Electric alongside the Chevy Bolt as one of the most affordable and longest range EVs.
Its 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space also makes it a practical daily commuter. The Kona EV puts a single 201-horsepower electric motor on the front wheels to grant brisk acceleration and a top speed of 104 miles per hour.
From late 2015 through early 2020, Hyundai offered a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Sonata mid-size sedan. Its 9.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides 28 miles of all-electric range, more than enough for a typical commute. That decent range in a sizable family sedan—plus its four-door, fastback style—is a compelling combination.
Unfortunately, Hyundai decided not to update the latest Sonata with a plug-in hybrid option, instead focusing on future pure electric models.
Hyundai’s electric vehicles are equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger. When using high-powered fast charging stations like the JuiceBox®, drivers can add about 25 to 40 miles of range per hour. A charge from empty to full in the Kona Electric takes about 6.5 hours, while a full charge of the Ioniq 5 Extended Range needs around 7 hours.
When using a public DC fast charger, it takes less than an hour to charge a Hyundai Kona EV or Ioniq 5 from empty to an 80% state of charge. That’s based on drivers accessing a public charger capable of their respective max charging rates. With 800-volt capability allowing their E-GMP-based models to charge at up to 350 kW, future Hyundai EVs will be able to reach 80% in 18 minutes.
DC fast charging is not often essential for plug-in hybrids, which have a smaller battery pack. The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, using a 240 volt charging station and its 3.3 kW onboard charger, can go from empty to full in about 2.5 hours.
The entire line of JuiceBox home chargers works well with Hyundai electric models. With each new generation of EVs, onboard chargers get faster charging time. Battery packs are also getting larger to provide more range. Buying a JuiceBox 40 or JuiceBox 48 will future-proof your home charging for a wide range of EVs for many years to come.