Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
For those keen on an overview of the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market and the benefits of zero-emission electric driving, simply scroll down to the end of the article!
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The Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Saloon
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):
Hyundai, has no doubt developed significant experience in the development of electric cars, and the Hyundai IONIQ 5, is a good example of good electric car. However, the automotive manufacturer has been able to make ‘good’ even better in its latest pure electric car, the IONIQ 6. Hyundai is fast cementing an enviable reputation for class-leading electric cars.
Though, the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5 have little in common in terms of exterior styling, the two pure electric cars do have much in common in relation to development. In fact, both EVs use the Hyundai- Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), making the IONIQ 6 the second pure electric car to use this dedicated EV platform. The IONIQ 6 has its roots in the Prophecy Concept EV, which was unveiled in 2020. The same year the IONIQ brand was relaunched.
The world premier of the IONIQ 6 was in July 2022, with pre-sales of the First Edition model commencing in November 2022, in key Hyundai markets. According to the company, the First Edition, which is limited to 2,500 units, sold out within 24 hours of its launch.
Given the sleeker exterior styling of the IONIQ 6 electrified streamliner, it should come as no surprise that the EV has improved aerodynamics and vehicle efficiency, compared to the IONIQ 5. In fact, a number of automotive manufacturers are focussing on developing streamlined electric cars. Bottom-line, the more efficient an electric car, the stronger is its proposition to the user!
The IONIQ 6 EV has an ultra-low drag coefficient Cd (0.21). Very few passenger cars can claim a drag coefficient as low as 0.21. One such example is the Lightyear One solar car. The automotive manufacturer claims an aerodynamic coefficient less than 0.20 Cd.
According to the manufacturer, “the sweeping curves and smooth lines pay homage to the iconic streamlined vehicles of the 1920’s and 30’s”. Hyundai has implemented a number of advanced aerodynamic solutions in the IONIQ 6. These include: flush door handles, rear spoiler, front active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, separation traps and wheel deflectors.
The IONIQ 6 is available in two EV battery sizes: 53 kWh/ 77.4 kWh. The 53 kWh has a 429 km (WLTP) electric range. The 77.4 kWh EV battery has an e-range between 519 km (AWD) – 614 km (RWD). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, all variants offer a useful and practical electric range.
The EV is equipped with an 800-volt battery system. Like the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 also offers ultra-fast DC charging up to 350 kW DC as standard for both variants. The EV can be charged up to 80% between 18 – 36 minutes at 350 kW DC, 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 77.4 kWh can be fully charged in 7 hours and 20 minutes. Single-phase EV charging will take longer (11 hours 45 minutes). The charging time for the 53 kWh EV battery will be shorter. 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 pure electric car is available as both, a 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and an all-wheel drive (AWD). The Hyundai IONIQ 6 77.4 kWh rear-wheel drive can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds (max power: 228 PS), while 77.4 kWh the all-wheel drive 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 incorporates regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. Hyundai refers to it as i-Pedal.
The exterior styling of the IONIQ 6 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. Hyundai has also incorporated over-the-air (OTA) software updates for the EV.
As is now the trend with OEMs, the EV also incorporates sustainable materials, to include: recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tyres in the cladding, bamboo charcoal pigment paint, eco-processed leather, recycled PET fabric, bio PET fabric, bio paint derived from vegetable oils and recycled fishing net carpet.
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 401 L (smaller than the IONIQ: 527 L).
Company car drivers can also take advantage of the pure electric car. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
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Ultra-low drag coefficient Cd of 0.21 | Small boot space |
350 kW DC charging as standard | Only available in one EV battery size |
Good pure electric range | Roofline impacts headroom for taller rear seat passengers |
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Saloon (credit: Hyundai)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Trims (1 Option) |
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Hyundai IONIQ 6 (from ₹ N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery size: 53 kWh/ 77.4 kWh |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 mins). Onboard charger: 10.5 kW AC |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
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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): | 1495 |
Width (mm): | 1880 |
Length (mm): | 4855 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2950 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot Capacity (L): | 401 |
77 kWh 228 PS 2WD | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 77.4 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 614 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 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: | 7.4 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 167.7 |
Max Power (PS): | 228 |
Torque (Nm): | 350 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,910 – 1,986 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
77 kWh 325 PS AWD | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 77.4 kWh |
Electric Range (WLTP): | 519 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 18-36 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: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,020 – 2,096 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?
EV Heat Pump: The Basics | |
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What is a heat pump in electric cars? | In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery). |
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months? | Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%. |
How does a heat pump work in an electric car? | Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated. |
Is a heat pump used only for heating? | No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling. |
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs? | Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option. |
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery? | Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase. |
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same? | No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%). |
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months? | Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day! |
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