Hyundai unveiled its IONIQ6 earlier this year, setting a new standard in EV aerodynamics and energy efficiency. The South Korean automaker’s second dedicated EV is garnering significant attention, selling out within 24 hours of its release.
Hyundai created its IONIQ series, combining “ION” and “unique” as a tribute to the company’s dedication to electric mobility. The commitment has paid off so far, with the Hyundai IONIQ5 snagging over 3% of the US EV share YTD, with only Tesla models, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, and Chevy BOLT EV/EUV selling more.
The IONIQ6 will sit on Hyundai’s 800V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the same one used for its award-winning IONIQ5. However, the automaker has worked hard to ensure its second dedicated EV lives up to its standard, making improvements upon its already impressive IONIQ5.
According to Hyundai, its “electrified streamliner” will be one of the most efficient EVs to hit the market with WLTP-estimated energy consumption of less than 14 kWh/100 km.
Hyundai also kicked up the range with its IONIQ6, capable of 379 miles (610 km) WLTPO range on a single charge with a long-range 77.4 kWh battery.
As far as looks, the IONIQ6 reminds me of a cross between a Porsche and Audi TT with a sleek, aerodynamic design. It seems I’m not the only fan, as the IONIQ6 first edition EV has sold out in less than 24 hours.
Hyundai IONIQ6 EV sells out within 24 hours
According to a press release from Hyundai, pre-sales of the first edition IONIQ6 began in key markets (Germany, the UK, France, Norway, and the Netherlands), and within 24 hours, the EV was sold out.
Util Meachau commented on the accomplishment, stating:
This extraordinarily high interest in and demand for IONIQ 6 First Edition underscores Hyundai’s leadership in zero-emission mobility. With its aerodynamically sculpted silhouette, long driving range, and interior that elevates the electric mobility experience for customers, IONIQ 6 redefines what a car should be. We are certain that European customers will be immediately drawn to our Electrified Streamliner.
Exclusive leather options (inspired by Hyundai’s Prophecy EV concept)
Black aluminum ‘H’ emblems on the front and rear boot door underline
Hyundai says customers that were not able to pre-order the IONIQ6 first edition will receive an offer from their dealer. Meanwhile, those lucky enough to get their hands on one will receive their EV models between March and April 2023.
The official launch of the Hyundai IONIQ6 will happen at the end of 2022 and into 2023.
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The UAW union’s Stellantis Council met yesterday to discuss the beleaguered carmaker’s “ongoing failure” to honor the agreement that ended the 2023 labor strike, and their latest union memo doesn’t pull many punches.
In an email sent out by the UAW earlier today (received at 4:55PM CST), UAW President Shawn Fain wrote, “For years, the company picked us off plant-by-plant and we lacked the will and the means to fight back. Today is different. Because we stood together and demanded the right to strike over job security—product commitment—we have the tools to fight back and win … We unanimously recommend to the membership that every UAW worker at Stellantis prepare for a fight, and we all get ready to vote YES to authorize a strike at Stellantis.”
Kia promises the new EV9 GT will have “enormous power,” but that’s not all. For the first time, the Kia EV9 GT was caught with an active spoiler, giving us a sneak peek at potential new upgrades.
The brand’s first three-row electric SUV is already making its presence known in the US, helping push Kia to back-to-back record sales months. Meanwhile, a more powerful, sporty variant is on the way.
Kia confirmed the EV9 GT will top off the electric SUV’s lineup in April. Packing “enormous power,” the high-performance GT model can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4 secs.
With a “high-output” dual-motor (AWD) system, the EV9 GT can quickly pick up speed despite weighing over 5,000 lbs.
Kia also equipped it with other high-performance features, such as a reinforced suspension and electronic braking system, for better control and stability.
We’ve already caught a glimpse of the performance electric SUV out testing, revealing aggressive new bumpers and wheels. Now, a new design feature has been spotted.
Kia EV9 GT could come with an active rear spoiler
The latest video from HealerTV shows the EV9 GT with what appears to be an active spoiler. As the reporter noted, it could be similar to the one spotted on the Genesis GV70 Magma.
Tesla’s Model X also used to come with an active spoiler until it was dropped a few years back. Although the GT model was spotted with one, Kia could just be testing new features, so don’t get too excited yet.
Earlier this week, a video from HealerTV showed the front row of the EV9 GT, comparing it to the current GT-Line model.
Several differences can be immediately noticed, including a more aggressive, all-black design with a yellow stripe down the center of the seat.
Kia is set to launch the EV9 GT in early 2025. It will rival other performance SUVs like the Tesla Model X Plaid.
Although prices have yet to be confirmed, the GT model is expected to sit above the current GT-Line at $73,900. In comparison, Tesla’s Model X Plaid starts at $94,990 and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 secs.
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Consumer Reports and EV charging app Chargeway are working together to give drivers a better way to rate public chargers, report uptime, and address maintenance issues.
The technical collaboration with Chargeway is part of a larger effort called the EV Charging Community, which engages with a number of different EV advocacy groups including Plug In America, GreenLatinos, and Generation 180, and leverages the mobile app to rate public EV charging experiences based on various factors, with the findings reported back to industry stakeholders like EVSE manufacturers, CPOs, and utilities.
Be heard
“We are very excited to be partnering with Consumer Reports,” says Chargeway founder, Matt Teske. “From day one, Chargeway has focused on a driver first app design to provide easier EV charging experiences as well as transparency for what drivers can anticipate at (the) station they choose … we share Consumer Reports’ goal to give drivers a voice in the public EV charging reliability conversation. Now, instead of posting complaints on social media and feeling ignored, EV drivers can use the Chargeway mobile app to provide their feedback to the leading consumer advocacy organization.”
Consumer Reports says it’s already seen nearly a third of its 1,600 enrolled community members experience a problem with public charging, so it’s a real problem. “Charging stations are critical services, but when they’re out of order or barely functional, it wastes consumers’ valuable time,” explains Drew Toher, Consumer Reports’ sustainability campaign manager.
Consumer Reports points out that EV drivers who don’t use Chargeway can also enroll to be part of the community at this link.
Electrek’s Take
Chargeway founder Matt Teske is an old friend. He’s a good friend, too, so it’s great to see his top-shelf EV charging app starting to get some of the recognition it deserves. The CR tie-up and added visibility these ratings will give to industry stakeholders are only going to make things better for EV drivers everywhere.
That up there? That’s one of my early interview episodes of Quick Charge featuring a walkthrough of Chargeway+, another collab between Matt and Austin Energy. Enjoy!
SOURCE | IMAGES: Chargeway, Consumer Reports.
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