Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric SUV
The Hyundai Motor Company, is a South Korean automotive manufacturer with a strong global presence (up to 200 countries). The company also has a stake in another leading South Korean automotive company, Kia Corporation. Hyundai has an annual production capacity of over 1.6 million units.
The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs):
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a compact SUV, revealed globally in February 2021. It is being marketed and sold under the Hyundai dedicated EV sub brand ‘IONIQ’. It is the first electric vehicle to be built on the dedicated Hyundai electric vehicle platform, the Hyundai- Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This EV platform allows the, IONIQ 5 to have a wheelbase of 3 metres and a fully flat interior floor, resulting in an increased interior space.
The compact pure electric IONIQ 5 SUV has much to offer families seeking to migrate to zero-emission electric driving. The e-SUV has a practical range to offer for both city and motorway driving. The IONIQ 5 offers two EV battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77 kWh. Both are decent EV battery sizes.
For the 58 kWh EV battery, the manufacturer claims an electric range up to 383 km (WLTP), while for the 77 kWh, the claimed EV range is up to 505 km (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, both battery sizes offer a useful range.
The IONIQ 5 EV offers ultra-fast DC charging up to 350 kW as standard for all variants. The EV can be charged up to 80% between 18 – 36 minutes at 350 kW and can be charged between 43 – 62 minutes at 50 kW DC. Of course, the key is finding a 350 kW public charging station. Hyundai incorporates a 10.5 kW AC (3-phase) onboard charger as standard.
For those of you with access to three-phase power supply at home and work, the 58 kWh can be fully charged in 5 hours, while the 77 kWh can be fully charged in 7 hours and 20 minutes. Single-phase EV charging will take longer and we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car.
We also recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times are shorter and the regular charging of the EV battery is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Hyundai offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is available as a rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive. The AWD option is only available for the larger EV battery variant. The 58 kWh 170 PS 2WD variant can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds (max power: 170 PS), while the 77 kWh 228 PS 2WD can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (max power: 228 PS). The top of the range 77 kWh 325 PS AWD can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (max power: 325 PS). The top speed of the electric vehicle (EV) is 185 km/h. The EV is equipped with two paddle shifters to enable a choice of 4 levels of regenerative braking profiles.
The exterior styling of the IONIQ 5 is modern, minimalist and elegant. This also extends to the inside cabin. The EV also includes two reclining seats, for those keen on resting while the EV is charging. The EV is technology-filled, to include: 12.3” infotainment screen, 12.3” cluster, head-up display, Hyundai SmartSense advance driver assistance systems, digital side mirror and more.
The EV also incorporates Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) that enables the charging of electric devices using the onboard EV battery. The electric car has a 3-PIN socket that allows charging of electronic items while stationary or driving. Electric devices that can be powered by the EV include: e-bike, e-scooter, laptop, kettle, microwave oven, mini-fridge, blender etc.
In terms of practicality, the boot space is up to 527 L. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 is available in India.
PROS | CONS |
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Available in two EV battery sizes | Top of the line variant is expensive |
350 kW DC charging as standard | Lack of a rear wiper |
10.5 kW AC (3-phase onboard charger as standard) | AWD not standard on all models |
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric SUV (credit: Hyundai)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV (Compact) |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | Yes |
Trims (1 Option) |
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Hyundai IONIQ 5 (from Rs 44.95 Lakhs) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 58 kWh/ 77 kWh |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging. Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1605 |
Width (mm): | 2152 |
Length (mm): | 4635 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3000 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.98 |
Boot Capacity (L): | 527 |
58 kWh 170 PS 2WD | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 58 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 383 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 16.7 |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 43 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 185 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 8.5 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 125 |
Max Power (PS): | 170 |
Torque (Nm): | 350 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,830 – 1,910 |
Colours: | 3 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
77 kWh 228 PS 2WD | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 505 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17 |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 36 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Top Speed: | 185 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 7.3 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 167.7 |
Max Power (PS): | 228 |
Torque (Nm): | 350 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,910 – 1,990 |
Colours: | 3 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
77 kWh 325 PS AWD | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 450 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17.9 |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 36 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Top Speed: | 185 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.1 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 239 |
Max Power (PS): | 325 |
Torque (Nm): | 605 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,020 – 2,100 |
Colours: | 3 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market
India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India. Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!
Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.
Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk). In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.
Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.
Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.
Benefits Of Electric Driving
The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:
- Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
- Lower running costs
- Lower taxes
- Lower maintenance costs
- Lower noise pollution
- Convenience of charging at home
- Smoother drive
- Instant torque for acceleration
- Lower environmental impact
Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.
Improved Air Quality
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.
Lower Maintenance & Running Costs
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!
Lower Noise Pollution
Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!
Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians. As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!
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