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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.

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Hyundai IONIQ 6 first drive: Is any other automaker delivering more value in high-tech EVs right now?

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.

IONIQ 6

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
MSRPs do not include additional $1,115 delivery fees

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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Gotrax S3 Fat Tire e-bike $464, WORX 1,800 PSI pressure washer $108, Anker Everfrost 2 up to $350 off, more

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Gotrax S3 Fat Tire e-bike 4, WORX 1,800 PSI pressure washer 8, Anker Everfrost 2 up to 0 off, more

As we continue to make our way through a new week, more deals have emerged. Today’s headliners range from an already-affordable e-bike that now costs less, a pressure washer to help tidy up your home’s exterior, and a nice selection of portable refrigerators. More specifically, we’re talking about Gotrax’s foldable S3 Fat Tire electric bike down at $464, this WORX 1,800 PSI electric pressure washer for $108, and finally, a variety of models and combo offers on Anker’s EverFrost 2 electric coolers.

Head below for more and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Gotrax’s compact and foldable S3 Fat Tire electric bike drops to $464 at Amazon (Reg. $529)

Now is great time to be enjoying the outdoors and Amazon is here to help with the Gotrax S3 Fat Tire Electric Bike in gray down at $464 shipped. For comparison, this model tends to clock in at $529, so you’re looking at a $65 markdown. Today’s offer is $41 above the all-time low, which hasn’t occured since an off-season discount back in January. Considering the fact that we’re right in the middle of summer now, $65 off what is one of the more affordable e-bikes out there is certainly worth considering. Learn more about what this model is capable of in the details down below.

Outfitted with a peak 750W motor, this compact e-bike can reach up to 20 MPH speeds. You can use it in a pedal-assisted mode to travel “up to 25 miles” or enjoy a pure electric ride for as many as “15.5 miles.” Once the battery is depleted, plug it in and you’ll be ready to go again in roughly 5 hours. I really like the compact nature of this e-bike, and this really rings true given its foldable design, making it easy to pack up and take to a local bike path.

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Make your home and patio look as good as new with WORX 1,800 PSI electric pressure washer at $108 (Save 29%)

Over at Amazon you can currently find the WORX 1,800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $107.78 shipped. Lately, this unit has been going for around $152 there, but directly from WORX it fetches the full retail price of $180. Today’s offer is the best we’ve tracked at Amazon throughout 2025, with the all-time low of $93 having last landed roughly a year ago. For details about what you can expect from this pressure washer, head down below.

Now that summer is here, this is an ideal time to clear off debris that has been building up on your home, patio, driveway, and more. I own a unit with a similar amount of power that you’ll find in this 1,800 PSI model and it’s offered more than enough power to tidy things up at my home. This unit operates using 1.2 gallons per minute, has a 20-foot hose, as well as a few types of nozzles. Other notable perks include a metal frame and onboard soap tank. Since this unit runs off electricity, you won’t have to worry about stocking up on gas or the mess that it can make.

Anker 58L EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler with 288Wh LFP Battery now $350 off for today only, more

Alongside Anker’s SOLIX early Prime Day sale, we are now tracking hundreds in savings on the brand’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 electric coolers. One standout here comes as part of the Best Buy Deals of the Day with the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Electric Cooler that includes one 288Wh LFP battery down at $749.99 shipped. Regularly $1,100, this is up to $350 off the going rate and the lowest price we can find.

This model is currently on sale for $799 directly from the Anker SOLIX site and $800 over at Amazon, both now $50 above the one-day only offer coming from Best Buy. Today’s deal on the dual-zone electric cool is $100 under our Memorial Day mention and lands on par with the exclusive deal we brought you last month (that deal did include the Road Trip accessory kit though).

Either way you’re looking at some of the best prices we have tracked to date on the model above and a few other models in the lineup down below. Running on rechargeable LFP batteries, these coolers are really more like portable fridge and freezer systems to support your summer adventures, off-grid setups year round, and camping trips, some of which coming complete with solar inputs for additional charging options, onboard USB ports for tapping into the battery, and a fold-down tray.

Offers 4 convenient charging methods, ensuring endless power for all your cooling needs. Solar(100W max solar input), wall outlet, car socket, and 60W USB-C. With 3 cooling modes, choose the one that best fits your situation. Cool fast, optimize performance, or conserve power. Max Mode: fastest cooling; Smart Mode: balanced for performance; Eco Mode: most energy-efficient.

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The Chevy Equinox EV is GM’s breakout star, but that’s not the only surprise

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The Chevy Equinox EV is GM's breakout star, but that's not the only surprise

The Chevy Equinox EV, or “America’s most affordable 315+ range EV,” as GM calls it, is red-hot. Thanks to the electric Equinox, Chevy is solidifying its position as the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. The Chevy Equinox EV helped GM’s electric vehicle sales more than double in Q2, but there’s more to the story.

The Chevy Equinox EV is charging up GM’s sales

GM surpassed Ford and Hyundai Motor last year to become the second-best EV seller in the US. This year, it’s closing the gap with Tesla.

Led by the Equinox EV, GM’s EV sales more than doubled in Q2, and Chevy solidified its position as the number two electric vehicle brand.

Chevy’s electric vehicle sales surged 134% in the first half. In Q2, Chevy sold 17,420 Equinox, 6,549 Blazer, and 3,056 Silverado EVs. Through June, GM has now sold 27,749 Equinox, 12,736 Blazer, and 5,439 electric Silverado models. The Chevy Equinox EV is expected to be one of the top three best-selling EVs in the US.

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Although Chevy’s new EVs are a hit, they are not the only growth driver behind GM’s success. The American automaker sold a total of 46,280 electric vehicles in Q2, representing a 111% increase from the same period in 2024.

Chevy-Equinox-EV-sales
2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)

GM’s share of the EV market in Q2 was approximately 16%, with growth across the Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC brands.

Cadillac notched its 12th consecutive quarter of retail sales growth, achieving its highest market share since 2014.

Cadillac-EV-sales
2025 Cadillac Optiq EV (Source: Cadillac)

With a full lineup of electric SUVs, including the entry-level (Optiq), midsize (Lyriq), and full-size (Vestiq and Escalade IQ), nearly one in four Cadillac models sold were EVs. GM sold 3,224 Cadillac Optiqs, its new entry-level EV, 5,017 Lyriqs, 1,744 Vistiqs, and 1,810 Escalade IQs in the second quarter.

GMC-Sierra-EV-affordable
2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4 (left) and Elevation (right) trims (Source: GMC)

After launching the new 2026 Sierra EV with an over $27,000 price cut from the 2025 model year, GMC sold over 1,500 electric Sierra models. Even the GMC Hummer EV is seeing more demand, with 4,508 units sold in Q2, up 54% from last year.

Starting at under $35,000 with up to 319 miles of range, it’s no wonder the Equinox EV is selling like hotcakes. With leases starting at just $289 per month, it’s a great deal right now. Who knew an affordable EV with over 300 miles of range would sell?

Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs in your area.

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Clean energy stocks jump after tax on solar and wind projects is removed from Trump’s big bill

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Clean energy stocks jump after tax on solar and wind projects is removed from Trump's big bill

Clean energy stocks rose on Tuesday after a tax on solar and wind projects was removed from the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Shares of NextEra Energy, the largest renewables developer in the U.S., rose nearly 3% after the Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s bill on Tuesday. AES, a leading renewable provider, rose almost 2%. The megabill will now go to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will consider the Senate’s changes.

The clean energy industry was surprised and outraged to find over the weekend that a tax on wind and solar projects had been inserted into a version of the Senate legislation. The tax applied to projects that use components from foreign entities of concern above a certain threshold. Foreign entities of concern is widely understood to basically refer to China.

The American Clean Power Association and Solar Energy Industries Association told CNBC that the tax was struck from the Senate legislation. ACP had described the tax as punitive and warned that it would add up to $7 billion to the solar and wind industry’s tax burden.

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The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) over the past three months.

The benchmark Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) was up about 4%, while the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) was trading more than 1% higher after the legislation passed.

Shares of First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S., slipped less than 1%. Sun tracker manufacturers Array Technologies and Nextracker jumped more than 11% and about 5%, respectively.

Residential solar installer Sunrun rose 9% while inverter manufacturers SolarEdge and Enphase were up about 8% and 4%, respectively.

But the Solar Energy Industries Association cautioned that the improvements in the Senate bill are “limited” and the legislation overall is still harmful to renewable energy.

“This legislation undermines the very foundation of America’s manufacturing comeback and global energy leadership,” CEO Abigail Ross Hopper said in a statement. “If this bill becomes law, families will face higher electric bills, factories will shut down, Americans will lose their jobs, and our electric grid will grow weaker.”

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