Hyundai IONIQ 6 first drive: Is any other automaker delivering more value in high-tech EVs right now?
As we approach summer deliveries of Hyundai’s upcoming electric streamliner – the IONIQ 6 – I got the chance to get behind the wheel for the first time and share my thoughts. As Hyundai’s second model on its 800V E-GMP platform and one of the most aerodynamic EVs available, the IONIQ 6 is sure to provide an extremely joyful, sporty ride to owners while delivering some of the most advanced technology at quite reasonable costs.
Table of contents
Background on the Hyundai IONIQ 6
Ever since Hyundai launched its new EV-specific line of IONIQ vehicles in 2020, the 6 streamliner has been on our radar as one we’ve been dying to drive, especially after the quick success of its preceding sibling, the IONIQ 5.
Hyundai teased first images of the aero-centric sedan in June of 2022, followed by a global debut event in mid-July. In October, Hyundai shared the targeted range and drag coefficient on the IONIQ 6, which now arrives as one of the most aerodynamic EVs on the market.
Pre-orders began in the EU first and sold out in less than 24 hours. Following its official debut at Automobility Los Angeles last fall, Hyundai officially launched the IONIQ 6 in North America, which only flamed the fire of desire for this sleek EV on the 800V platform.
Admittedly, I was not blown away by the first images of the IONIQ 6, but after personally exploring it inside and out in my video walk-through, I had a quick change of heart. It’s a lot smaller and sportier in person, yet is still enormous inside.
After that visit to Hyundai USA, I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of this thing and test it out for myself. I recently got that chance and was not disappointed. Here are my thoughts.
IONIQ 6 is loaded with interior and exterior firsts for Hyundai
If you follow Electrek closely, you probably have witnessed me gawk over the IONIQ 5 for over a year, as it felt like an all-electric ode to my own personal style – retro meets high-tech. Like a first born, I didn’t think I had any room left in my heart for the IONIQ 6. What the hell is a “streamliner” anyway?
Well, just like Hyundai did in the interior cabin of this new 800V EV, I somehow found more room to love the IONIQ 6 and believe it is going to fare extremely well globally. The team at Hyundai described the overall feel of 6 as a more driver-centric experience compared to the IONIQ 5.
Like the IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s parametric pixels are visible throughout the exterior, from the front headlamps, to the entire rear taillight, and up across its super sporty dual spoilers, housing a unique stop lamp. Across its side, you’ll notice a unique character line and two-tone cladding.
Moving down toward the front wheel, Hyundai has implemented a subtle but effective gap reducer, which its design team explained allows for shorter overall overhang up front while retaining maximized aerodynamics. Speaking of aero, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers a 0.22 drag coefficient – strengthening its title as a streamliner.
Moving inward, you’ll notice a “winglet” dashboard design that has much more of a cockpit feel compared to the compact SUV that came before it. In a unique first for Hyundai, it also moved all the door buttons to the bridge style center console, allowing not only a minimalist door interior but also a noticeable width and comfort for both the driver and front passenger.
The steering wheel features four parametric pixels, which I learned translates to “H” in morse code. Across the cockpit, Hyundai as upped its lighting game by adding dual ambience to the IONIQ 6. In addition to six preset lighting themes and over 4,000 different combinations, the streamliner’s ambient light is linked to its speed and can change as you accelerate – once again adding to the overall “driver-centric” experience.
While driving, I found the design of the steering wheel intuitive and loved the paddle shifters on either side to switch between four different levels of regenerative braking. It should come as no surprise that I kept it mostly on Hyundai’s stiffest I-Pedal mode for one pedal driving, but I felt it had a balanced mix of recuperation for all driver preferences. The IONIQ 6 also features a Smart Regenerative System (SRS) 2.0 that monitors the EV’s speed and vehicles around it by using front radar and adjusts regen accordingly. I really felt it when going down declines, for instance, as the brake automatically applies itself in front of your foot. Eerie, but cool – talk about ghost riding the whip!
The Limited trim I was driving comes equipped with an 110V vehicle-to-load outlet under the rear seat, which can be used to power devices when the EV is on or in utility mode. Like the 5, the IONIQ 6 also features V2L on its exterior plug, capable of an 110V, 15 amp output at 1.9 kW.
It’s no a hypercar, but it’s still fun as hell to drive
As you’ll see in the detailed specifications below, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is not the fastest or most powerful EV on the market, nor is it trying to be. What it is, however, is a super aerodynamic ride with some of the industry’s best efficiency that still has plenty of go when you hit the accelerator.
Did I mention it also sits on an 800V platform capable of charge rates between 230-235 kW on a DC charger? It’s also backward compatible with 400V charging, thanks to its onboard inverter. Who else is delivering that? Better yet, who else is delivering that for the MSRPs you’ll see below?
The platform itself features a new heat pump that reflects heat from the motor(s) vertically down through the battery cells to the cooling module beneath. Hyundai’s team explained this allowed them to reduce the part count by 70%, including the removal of a cooling fan, thus increasing the EV’s energy efficiency by 7%. What’s better is that battery preconditioning and the heat pump come standard on all trims of the IONIQ 6. Love that.
The AWD version features new dog clutch as part of a Disconnect Actuator System (DAS) that allows the front motor to operate separately from the wheels, leading to another 6% increase in efficiency. Hyundai is offering three versions of the IONIQ 6 with AWD and the DAS, alongside four RWD versions of varying performance and design features. Here’s how they break down.
Performance specs, trim levels, and pricing
Future customers of the IONIQ 6 will not only see a variety of trim levels at their disposal offering an option for nearly anyone willing to spend $42,000 on a new EV, but arguably the most bang for your buck in terms of technology and standard features.
| Model | Drivetrain | Motor(s) | Battery | EPA Range (18″ wheels) | MSRP |
| SE Standard Range | RWD | 111 kW (149 HP) | 53 kWh | 240 miles | $41,600 |
| SE | RWD | 168 kW (225 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 361 miles | $45,500 |
| SEL | RWD | 168 kW (225 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 305 miles | $47,700 |
| Limited | RWD | 168 kW (225 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 305 miles | $52,600 |
| SE AWD | AWD | 165 kW + 74 kW (320 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 316 miles | $49,000 |
| SEL AWD | AWD | 165 kW + 74 kW (320 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 270 miles | $51,200 |
| Limited AWD | AWD | 165 kW + 74 kW (320 HP) | 77.4 kWh | 270 miles | $56,100 |
Hyundai shared that all seven trims mentioned above are currently in production in Korea. Every variant will soon be available to order, except for the RWD version of the SE, which is scheduled to arrive this summer.
The automaker told us the 6 will be available in 43 states currently home to IONIQ certified dealers, but it could be eventually available in all 50 states, should those dealers apply to sell.
Plenty of other notable features to explore
Here are some additional features that Hyundai is wielding to truly set itself apart from the market. The IONIQ 6 will feature the debut of Hyundai’s first iteration of EV route planner in its navigation system.
The new maps pull real-time data from all the major charging networks to suggest where to stop and recharge along your predetermined route. If you drive past one, the navigation will quickly update and suggest a new spot to stop along the way.
Hyundai shared that this feature will also be rolled out to other EVs later this year via OTA update, so keep an eye out for that. Additionally, all future Hyundai EVs will come equipped with the complimentary software, beginning on 2024 models.
Another cool feature is Hyundai’s BlueLink+ digital key, which allows you to unlock and start the IONIQ 6 with your smartphone without the need for your key fob. As we also tested, you can add Blue Link to your Apple Watch and open the EV’s doors (see above), but you still need a phone to start the car.
In another first, original IONIQ 6 owners will receive complimentary BlueLink+ access with no expiration. Previously, new EV owners were given three years of access. This includes full access to Connected Care, Remote Access, and Navigational Guidance. The streamliner will also come with in-car Wi-Fi hot spot powered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network for three free months or 3GB of data.
So how does it drive? Well my friends, let me tell you.
IONIQ 6 only strengthens Hyundai’s growing EV prowess
Right as we pulled out of the hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, I wasted no time in immediately switching to Sport Mode and giving the IONIQ 6 hell. My drive partner Jordan was immediately pushed back into his seat as we experience all 320 horsepower of our AWD Limited trim. He immediately turned to me and said, “This is gonna be a fun day.” He wasn’t wrong.
As I mentioned before, I loved the stiff regen of I-Pedal, which allowed me to come to a complete halt and stay put without ever touching the brake. I personally left coasting and rolling behind with combustion and always get a little irked when automakers tout stiff regenerative braking that doesn’t deliver true one-pedal driving. Hyundai’s is some of the best in my opinion.
Even in normal drive mode, the torque of the dual motors in the IONIQ 6 sent me, but Sport Mode was where it was at in terms of acceleration, especially through the winding desert plains around Arizona. Accelerating through curves and over humps in the road, the IONIQ 6 cut through the air while hugging the pavement, offering a much sportier ride than the 5.
Remember that ambient lightning I mentioned earlier tied to the EV’s acceleration? Well, Sport Mode also includes a relative EV Active Sound Design (e-ASD) function that blasts space-age motor noises through the cabin as you accelerate. It’s tough to get the full experience from the video below, but you can still hear the futuristic hum, complimented by an echoing chime as we accelerate. Have a listen.
In terms of user interface, I found the 12.3 displays and HUD to be more than adequate. The access to CarPlay is always welcome in my opinion, although there was no capability for wireless CarPlay connectivity. Not a huge deal, but it would have been a nice addition.
Taylor Swift’s new album sounded amazing on the Bose Premium audio system, blasted throughout the roomy cabin. Whether I was driving, riding shotgun, or exploring the back seat, the IONIQ 6’s 116-inch wheelbase provided tons of room, enabling a passenger volume of 103 cubic-feet, which is significantly larger than comparable models like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2.
Yet another reason why I think the IONIQ 6 is going to be another home run in the market. It provides a more driving-focused design for those potential customers who found the 5 too large or boxy, while still delivering ultrafast charging, V2L, and amazing efficiency.
In terms of pricing, Hyundai is not only offering tremendous variety through seven trims but also a price point to satisfy most drivers looking to go electric, especially when you consider many of the features that come standard (e.g. heat pump, BlueLink+, etc.).
Personally, I feel like the RWD SE is the sweet spot in the lineup. With 361 miles of estimated range for just over $45,000, you’re getting nearly 90 miles more than the RWD Model 3 for about an extra $2,000. I think the 235 kW charge rate and V2L capability is worth that extra money alone, but the added range is a bonus. The SE feels like another solid option if you want AWD, still offering over 315 miles of range with extra oomph from the front motor.
All in all, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 feels bound to arrive as another successful entry into the EV market and will provide even more evidence that the automaker is delivering some of the most advanced and efficient vehicles at respectable value. Being able to eventually produce EVs in the US should only sweeten the deal for potential consumers who can take advantage of federal tax credits.
I highly recommend going for a test drive when you can, because this EV is going to be tough to get when it goes on sale.
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![It's time to start recommending some Tesla Powerwall alternatives [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Tesla-Powerwall.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
For years, Tesla Powerwall has been the go-to recommendation for “normals” looking for a painless, low-effort experience from their first home solar and battery backup solutions. Its CEO’s recent involvement in controversial politics, however, means that people are now distancing themselves from the once-trailblazing company.
It begs the question: what other home solar battery solutions are there?
UPDATE 26JUL2025: added more options, put everything in alphabetical order.
Electricians and contractors often praise the sleek, energy-dense Tesla Powerwall, for good reasons. But the Powerwall isn’t the only top-shelf home battery on the market, but long wait times, Elon’s antics, and the proliferation of really good integrated alternatives from legacy EV brands might have you shopping for Tesla alternatives already. If that’s you, the next logical step is to re-think the brand’s solar battery offerings as well – here are some of the best options out there.
As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best batteries ..?” Too opinion-based. “Cheapest batteries ..?” Too much research and a quick descent into Temu-grade nonsense. In the end, I went with the same solution I’ve been using on my 0% EV financing lists: alphabetical order, by brand. Enjoy!
Bluetti EP800 + B500
If you’re in a smaller space or renting and can’t (or don’t want to) add a hardwired battery solution to your home, Bluetti’s EP800 + B500 modular system is a sweet “middle ground” option that combines the Bluetti EP800 off-grid inverter and the company’s B500 battery packs in a floor-standing unit that can be used without a solar roof but also plays well with most rooftop PV options.
The basic EP800 + B500 package offers about 9.9 kWh of capacity for under $9,000 as I type this, and the system can scale up to nearly 20 kWh by adding more B500 packs. The system puts out 7.6 kW of power – more than enough, in other words, to keep some lights on and your fridge and foods (and meds) cold.
What’s more, it works great with Bluetti’s AC300 or AC500 gear if you want an option that’s a bit more portable if you move a lot or plan on moving soon.
EG4 14.3 kWh PowerPro
Two of the home solar installers I talked to in preparing this post mentioned the EG4 14.3kWh batteries, and its specs (on paper, at least) compare nicely with the Powerwall 3.
| Battery | Usable capacity (kWh) | Continuous power output (kW) | Roundtrip efficiency | Average price per kWh* | Coupling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 97.5% | $926 | DC or AC |
| EG4 14.3kWh PowerPro | 11.44 | 10.24 | 99% | $786 | DC |
“The EG4 PowerPro solar battery from EG4 Electronics is the strongest alternative to the Tesla Powerwall,” writes Kristina Zagame, from the home solar experts at EnergySage. “(The EG4) has a similar capacity, meaning it’ll last a similar amount of time, and a slightly lower power output, which means it won’t be able to power quite as many devices at the same time. And, based on quotes through EnergySage, EG4 batteries tend to be a bit more affordable compared to Tesla.”
Enphase IQ Battery 10
If you’re looking for a one-brand solution for EV charging and whole-home battery backup but don’t want to be “locked in” to GM or Tesla’s ecosystem, Enphase offers a full line of Made-in-the-USA solutions that could be right for you.
“Energy systems developer Enphase Energy is providing an even more holistic approach to managing home power usage with the introduction of new EV charger technology called the IQ line,” wrote Scooter doll, when the brand first introduced its EV charging solutions back in 2023. “The Enphase IQ is Wi-Fi enabled and integrates seamlessly into a customer’s existing home system that can be controlled with your phone.”
Franklin WH aPower 2
If you love the sleek, minimalistic styling of the Tesla Powerwall 3 but still prefer to spend your money elsewhere, the Franklin WH aPower 2 offers similarly sleek styling and beats the Tesla offering on usable energy storage capacity by 1.5 kWh. That’s nearly a full day of keeping a modern refrigerator running.
The Franklin is also designed to be easily retrofit into an existing solar system, but it loses out to the Powerwall on price per kWh, at $1,176 (vs. $926 for the Tesla unit).
GM Energy Home System
Arguably the most fully integrated EV + battery backup + solar option out there outside of Tesla, the GM Energy Home System promises to do everything a conventional home solar battery does, plus work seamlessly with your GM EV to provide even more flexibility – whether that means using the electric fuel stored in your EV to hold out that much longer in an emergency, or using the energy stored in your home’s solar battery to power an escape in your EV is up to you.
GM Energy and GM’s car dealers list Qmerit as their installation partner, and they’re great, but if you “already have a guy,” you can order the Home System directly from GM Energy’s website for $12,700 (as I type this).
The GM Energy Home System system includes:
- GM Energy PowerBank
- GM Energy PowerShift Charger
- GM Energy Home Hub & Inverter
StorEn vanadium flow BESS
If lithium-ion’s ten-year cycle life or overhyped fire risk makes you nervous, StorEn Technologies is developing a consumer-focused battery solution based on vanadium flow chemistry. Their system promises to last 25 years or more with no capacity loss, so you can charge and drain the battery fully each day and without stressing about wear … but there are a couple of downsides.
First, they’re not yet available to the general public – only to StorEn’s early investors in (what I understand to be) a sort of quasi-Kickstarter deal.
Second, the StorEn batteries are significantly bulkier than a Powerwall. That said, if you’ve got the room and you’re old enough to realize that 25 years isn’t actually a super long time, the StorEn solution might to be a super compelling, nearly maintenance-free setup that might outlast both your solar panels and the roof they’re mounted on.
So, remember how I started this off saying that I wouldn’t turn this into a “best batteries” post? That’s partly driven by the fact that I’m neither an electrician, a chemical engineer, or someone who’s researched thousands of end-user experience surveys to come up with whatever metrics I’d need to confidently and correctly call one battery “the best.”
Our friends and solar industry experts at EnergySage, though? They’ve got all three of those things on staff, and they really, really like the Villara VillaGrid+.
“The Villara VillaGrid+ stands out as the best battery on the market, scoring highest in EnergySage’s rigorous Equipment Rating System, explains EnergySage’s Kristina Zagame. “That said, (the Villara VillaGrid+) is not necessarily the best Tesla Powerwall alternative. It’s a very different (and much pricier) battery.”
What puts the VillaGrid+ on top? According to Zagame, it all comes down to the battery’s lithium-titanium-oxide, or LTO chemistry. “Unlike more traditional lithium-ion batteries, LTO has better recharge capabilities for longer life cycles, and doesn’t contain any carbon, which makes it extra safe. The only downside is you’ll definitely shell out more money upfront for the VillaGrid+.”
That extra money will also buy some additional peace of mind, as Villara backs its LTO batteries with a 20-year warranty compared to Tesla Powerwall and its (and just about everyone else’s) 10-year deal. I couldn’t find a price, but Villara’s other products, like VillaGrid 5.75 kWh battery, come in at nearly double Powerwall’s per kWh cost. Check out the specs, below, then let us know if you think the novel chemistry and additional warranty are worth it in the comments.
| Battery | Usable capacity (kWh) | Continuous power output (kW) | Roundtrip efficiency | Average price per kWh* | Coupling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 97.5% | $926 | DC or AC |
| Villara VillaGrid+ | 11.5 | 10 | 98.5% | Get quote | DC or AC |
Original content from Electrek.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Air taxi startup Vertical Aerospace achieved a world’s first this week, completing the first flight between two airports through public airspace for an eVTOL at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire, England.
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world’s largest military airshow, held every July and serving as a public showcase for the latest advancements in aviation technology. It’s fitting, then, that RIAT served as setting for the Vertical VX4 prototype’s first piloted public flight.
The eVTOL aircraft flew 17 miles from the company’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station used by the US Air Force. The Vertical VX4 reached speeds of 115 mph, and an altitude of 1800 ft, and also marked the first landing at a public location for an aircraft of this type.
The Vertical Aerospace entry was the only battery-electric aircraft present at RIAT 2025, and the flight served as a demonstration of the company’s broader strategy to unlock new hybrid-electric applications for defense, logistics, and special/close support missions where the eVTOL’s (relatively) quiet operations could give it a tactical advantage.
“RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology, and we’re proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defense,” says Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical’s RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.”
Vertical’s VX4 debuted last year, with a 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio that enables a top cruising speed of 150 mph and transports four passengers plus a pilot up to 100 miles on a single charge.
The inaugural VX4 flight was witnessed by several thousand UK aircraft enthusiasts, and showed how an eVTOL aircraft could integrate with real-world airport operations, building momentum toward more regular, certified deployment.
Electrek’s Take
Archer, BETA, EHang, Joby, XPeng – the list of eVTOL manufacturers seems to be as long as the list of new electric car brands that didn’t exist back when I first started working with EVs back in ::gulp:: the 1990s. The future of regional point-to-point air travel certainly seems to be vertical, and electric.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Vertical Aerospace.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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Say what you will about Elon Musk, but Tesla has changed the way that millions of people buy cars and, by extension, car insurance. Now, Honda is taking a page from Tesla’s successful playbook and launching its own in-house insurance business. Enter: Honda Insurance Solutions.
Honda Insurance Solutions is being launched as a fully licensed insurance agency serving the insurance needs of Acura and Honda customers, but it’s not stopping at competitive pricing and coverage options for Honda cars and motorcycles. Honda Insurance Solutions promises to go several steps beyond Tesla’s offering with coverage for trailers, RVs, homes, and even pets.
“Honda Insurance Solutions offers customers access to coverage through a brand they know and trust,” says Petar Vucurevic, President, American Honda Insurance Solutions, LLC and Senior Vice President, American Honda Finance Corporation. “Insurance is a key touchpoint in the vehicle ownership journey, and we aim to deliver a superior experience tailored to the unique needs of each customer, while promoting safer driving and increased peace of mind on the road.”
The company says the launch of its new insurance business is just part of Honda’s broader digital vehicle sales platform strategy, with future plans to integrate insurance offerings into new products.
Electrek’s Take
It’s important to note some of the key differences between Honda’s insurance offering and Tesla’s. Honda isn’t offering discounts, they’re not bundling insurance premiums into the vehicle financing, and they’re not building their insurance offerings into their dealerships’ checkout/F&I offices. Not yet, anyway.
What Honda is doing right now is deepening relationships with its existing customers and finding ways to make money on products it hasn’t sold them – whether that’s the Harley parked in the garage next to their Prologue or the garage itself.
It’s a smart play. And, once Honda figures out a way to cut franchise dealers out entirely and go to a direct sales model, it’ll look even smarter.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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