Hyundai’s original Ioniq bows out in July

Hyundai will soon cease production of the first Ioniq, the model that received a name that became the electric sub-brand afterward. According to the South Korean carmaker, the model’s production, which is available as a BEV, PHEV, and HEV, will end at the Ulsan plant in July.

The Ioniq was launched in 2016, and since then, the electrified sedan has fully met the company’s business expectations, according to the statement. By the end of 2021, 135 692 Ioniqs had been sold in Europe. Unfortunately, Hyundai does not break down sales by the three drive types.

Meanwhile, Hyundai made Ioniq its subsidiary brand for battery-electric cars based on the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with 800-volt technology in 2020. As a result, there will be no direct successor to the original Ioniq. “The global discontinuation of Ioniq represents a long-planned decision by Hyundai to meet changing consumer demands in the automotive sector,” the Hyundai press release said.

Unique car

In addition to the fact that it offered three different electrified powertrains, the original Ioniq stood out for its efficiency. Among other things, good aerodynamics (Cx value of 0.24) contributed to this. Moreover, almost during its whole lifespan, the electric Ioniq, for example, was one of the most frugal electric energy users.

However, with the first production model based on the E-GMP, the compact utility vehicle or CUV baptized Ioniq 5, Hyundai has put less emphasis on aerodynamics in favor of an angular design. The long wheelbase so typical for a dedicated electric platform makes the Ioniq 5 a very roomy car compared to its relatively compact size.

Some observers hope that the E-GMP sedan Ioniq 6 will again have a more aerodynamic body. Of these new models, there won’t be hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants as they are based on a dedicated, purpose-built electric platform.