Hyundai’s green timeline
- Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell – on sale now. Read our review of the hydrogen fuel cell car here: Having a gas in London with a streetcar named Hyundai
- Hyundai IONIQ hybrid 2016
- Hyundai IONIQ EV 2016
- Hyundai IONIQ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 2017
HYUNDAI’S green revolution will not stop at its hydrogen ix35 SUV; there will be a Hyundai hybrid, plug-in hybrid and an electric car too.
It’s all part of a low emission push to offer small businesses and company car drivers a greener choice, lower running costs, and reduced company car tax exposure.
The new car will be called the Hyundai IONIQ (pictured in this teaser preview above). The IONIQ will be available in the following powertrains:
- Petrol-electric hybrid
- Plug-in petrol-electric hybrid; and
- Electric
It will be the first car to offer such a suite of low-emission powertrains. The Toyota Prius, for example, is only available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Hyundai says the IONIQ, with its coupe-hatchback styling, will offer class-leading aerodynamics and plenty of usable interior space.
Robin Hayles, sustainable fuel development manager at Hyundai responsible for the hydrogen ix35, said that the inclusion of the new car would broaden Hyundai’s green offering to company car drivers.
Why IONIQ?
- Hyundai says it has called its clean green machine IONIQ for the following reasons:
- An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains;
- The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range;
- Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.
- So there you go. Your chance to show off in the pub!
“The new car and its different powertrain configurations will be phased in over 2016 and into 2017,” said Robin.
“We have already made a clear statement about our green plans with the commitment to hydrogen; the new car will extend that.”
Robin added that the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell would come as a standard production model in 2017, rather than it’s made-to-order status.
“We now have 17 hydrogen ix35s on the road in the last quarter of 2015,” he added. “And with more hydrogen fuel stations coming on stream, we’ll see the number rise further.”
Meanwhile, the IONIQ will debut in Korea this January, before making its European debut at the Geneva International Motor Show during March 2016 and Stateside at the New York Auto Show.
