Not so fast, Tesla: Hyundai to debut electric vehicle with 250-mile range by 2020

By Andrew Hard May 24, 2016

In terms of affordable electric vehicles that can take you farther than the store and back, there are two major players in the game right now — Tesla and General Motors. The delivery process for the Tesla Model 3 is expected to begin in late 2017 (although we’re not exactly holding our breath), and the Chevy Bolt EV is due out at the end of this year. Now, a third challenger has entered the fray, and although it’ll be a bit late to the electric vehicle party, it’s aiming to pack a big punch in terms of range.

According to a new report by Autoblog, Hyundai plans to debut a 250-mile pure EV by 2020. Byung Ki Ahn, the brand’s director of eco-vehicle performance development, confirmed the news on Monday, while also revealing that Hyundai will release a 200-mile EV in 2018. Little is known about either car at this time, but given the Korean automaker’s affinity for value, it’s likely the vehicles will be closer in price to the Chevy Bolt EV than, say, a Tesla Model X.

Before the long-range EVs touch down, Hyundai will preview its electric tech with a trio of Ioniq alternative energy vehicles. The first of the pack will be the Ioniq Electric, which arrives this fall with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, an estimated range of 110 miles, and an efficiency rating of 125 MPGe. The Ioniq Hybrid will follow in winter, with the plug-in hybrid variant rounding out the launch next summer.

Read more: Hyundai launching new fuel cell electric vehicle in early 2018

It’s certainly been a busy year for Hyundai. If the manufacturer’s newfound commitment to green driving weren’t enough, the company has been busy refining and developing its new luxury division, Genesis. The sub-brand’s first product, the G90, was revealed earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and smaller G80 and G70 models are on the way. There are even rumors of a midsize crossover debuting in the next few years. For more info on Hyundai and the Genesis brand, click here.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Cars

Move aside, Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses

The front view of a red Hyundai Ioniq 6.

EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren't quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you're looking for a car for your small family and don't want, or can't afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.

But that's changing -- and there's a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240 Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
What else is even out there?
When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they're not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it -- but I'm not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.

Cars

Apple talks with Hyundai and Kia about electric vehicle are reportedly ‘paused’

There have been rumors flying around for months about the "Apple Car" -- a project believed to be under development by Apple to produce an electric vehicle (EV). Confirmed details about the project are scarce, though just this week a new report suggested that the proposed vehicle would be fully autonomous and would be able to operate without a human driver.

Now, though, there may be a kink in Apple's plans. Apple has been in talks with Hyundai and Kia about potentially collaborating to produce an electric vehicle, but according to sources who spoke to Bloomberg, these talks are now "paused."