Hyundai’s Electrified Models
It seems like with each passing day, we are seeing more and more new EV’s hitting the streets. Hyundai is attempting to lead the charge as they continue to electrify current models with hopes of having eleven full EV’s by 2030. We were recently invited down to Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, for an electrified driving event. Where I had the chance to sample a quartet of Hyundai's latest EV’s and plug-in’s: The Kona Electric, the Tucson and Santa Fe plug-in’s and the Ioniq 5. Since we recently completed a full test on the Ioniq 5, let’s focus on the other three vehicles. The Kona Electric receives a few minor updates for 2022 with a mid cycle refresh. This includes new bumpers front and back, a redesigned grille, new headlights, taillights, and new sporty alloy wheels. Inside, there's a new digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, new seating materials and interior accents. There is also increased cargo volume and improved second row legroom. Powering this front-drive only EV, is a 150-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, putting out the same 201 horsepower and 291 lb feet of torque, and has a 258 mile range. A level three fast charge of 10-80% can be achieved in 47 minutes. Pricing for the 2022 Kona Electric starts at $34,000 for the SEL, and maxes out at $42,500 for the Limited. After years of strictly having internal combustion engines, consumers now have the option of a plug-in hybrid for two of Hyundai's longer running models, The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. These two popular SUV’s share the same PHEV powertrain: a 1.6 liter turbo I-4 mated to a 13.8kWh battery for a total of 260 horsepower, through a 6-speed automatic transmission. HTrac all-wheel-drive is standard. The range of the electric battery pack limits drivers to 30 miles of all electric range for the Santa Fe. The Tucson sees a full electric capacity of 33 miles. Pricing for the Santa Fe PHEV starts at $40,000 and tops out just over $46,000. While the Tucson PHEV starts at $35,400 and goes as high as $43,200. And for more electrifying content, keep it right here, on MotorWeek.