2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric: A Detailed Overview
The 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric represented a significant step forward for affordable, practical electric vehicles. It offered a compelling blend of efficiency, user-friendly technology, and a comfortable driving experience, making it a strong contender for eco-conscious commuters and city dwellers.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The IONIQ Electric is powered by a 100 kW (134 horsepower) electric motor paired with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This combination delivers instant torque for peppy acceleration from a standstill and smooth, quiet operation.
- Safety Features: Hyundai equipped the 2019 IONIQ Electric with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing both occupant safety and driver confidence. These include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Uses a forward-facing camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians, providing audible and visual warnings, and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Monitors lane markings and can provide steering input to keep the vehicle centered within its lane, particularly useful on long highway drives.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): Utilizes radar sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Monitors driving patterns and can detect signs of driver fatigue, recommending the driver take a break.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically accelerating or decelerating as needed.
- Trims: The 2019 IONIQ Electric was available in two well-equipped trims:
- Blue: This base trim still offered a robust list of standard features, focusing on essential electric vehicle functionality and comfort.
- SEL: The SEL trim built upon the Blue trim, adding premium features such as a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, heated steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Efficient Aerodynamics: The IONIQ Electric boasts a highly aerodynamic exterior design, contributing to its impressive range and efficiency.
- Regenerative Braking: The vehicle features advanced regenerative braking systems that capture energy normally lost during deceleration, sending it back to the battery to extend range. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking for a more engaging driving experience.
- Comfortable Ride: Despite its focus on efficiency, the IONIQ Electric offers a surprisingly comfortable and refined ride, absorbing road imperfections well.
- Spacious Interior: For its compact exterior dimensions, the IONIQ Electric offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for both front and rear passengers, and a usable cargo area.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric is generally a straightforward and pleasant experience, especially for daily commuting and urban driving.
- Typical Ownership Experience: Drivers can expect a quiet, smooth, and responsive driving experience, with the instant torque of the electric motor making it feel zippy around town. The interior is thoughtfully laid out and user-friendly, with most controls easily accessible. The infotainment system is generally intuitive and provides all the necessary connectivity options. Charging at home via a Level 2 charger will likely become the primary method, offering convenience and cost savings. Public charging infrastructure is also a viable option, though availability and charging speeds can vary.
- Maintenance: Electric vehicles, including the IONIQ Electric, typically require less maintenance than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Routine maintenance usually involves checking and topping up washer fluid, inspecting tires, and replacing the cabin air filter. Brake pad wear is also significantly reduced due to regenerative braking. The battery pack is designed for longevity, and while it will degrade over time, significant issues are uncommon within the typical lifespan of a vehicle.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for electric vehicles can sometimes be higher than for comparable gasoline vehicles, but this is not always the case and depends heavily on your location, driving history, and insurance provider. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage at a competitive rate.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric is a strong contender, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- EPA Estimated Range: The 2019 IONIQ Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 124 miles on a full charge. While sufficient for many daily commutes, this is on the lower side compared to some newer EVs. Actual range can be affected by driving style, weather conditions (especially cold temperatures), and use of climate control.
- Charging Speed: While the IONIQ Electric supports DC fast charging, its maximum charging rate is typically around 50 kW. This means that while you can get a significant charge relatively quickly, it won't be as rapid as some newer EVs with higher charging capabilities. A full charge from a Level 2 home charger will take several hours.
- No All-Wheel Drive Option: The IONIQ Electric is exclusively front-wheel drive, which is common for EVs but might be a consideration for those living in areas with frequent heavy snow or seeking the added traction of all-wheel drive.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Electric stands out as a practical, efficient, and well-equipped electric vehicle that offers a comfortable and refined ownership experience. Its user-friendly technology, comprehensive safety features, and peppy performance make it an excellent choice for daily commuting and city driving. While its range and charging speeds are not class-leading by today's standards, it remains a compelling option for those seeking an affordable entry into the electric vehicle market, delivering a solid value proposition and a smooth transition to electric mobility.