There is no escaping it - the electric revolution in the automotive world is a fait accompli, and electric cars are here to stay.
More and more people are finding themselves debating whether their next car will continue to bring them to gas stations to watch gasoline prices skyrocket, or whether they will start “refueling” it in the home parking lot, right out of the electrical outlet.
If you are not captivated by Tesla's gadget image, a look around will reveal that there are quite a few electric cars that can serve as an alternative to the family car.
One of the most prominent electric models introduced in the world in the past year comes to us from Hyundai, named Ionic 5. It heralds a whole family of electric models to be branded under the name Ionic (and please do not confuse with the popular "Ionic" hybrid, which is retired these days).
We went to a meeting with the Ionic 5 to see if this is an alternative to family crossovers, and no less - if this South Korean has the tools to face the queen of the tram market, the Tesla Model 3.
The cabin is very spacious, Photo: Manufacturer
first sight
Many buyers of electric cars want everyone to know that they have an electric car.
Accordingly, car manufacturers try to demonstrate originality, offering unique and distinct designs accordingly.
In the case of the Ionic 5, no one will miss the fact that you drive such a car.
In recent years Hyundai has started to venture more into the designs of its cars, but the Ionic 5 has taken the boldness one step further.
It's good to have a big "Hyundai" emblem attached to the front, as it does not look like any other Hyundai you know.
To be honest, it looks like a show car that happened to get yellow license plates.
There are two parameters that make the look of the Ionic 5 so unique.
The first parameter is the design line chosen by Hyundai, which combines square body lines with sharp cuts on body surfaces, and large, rounded wheelhouses that break the cubic look.
At the same time, Hyundai has incorporated pixel-like elements in the lighting units, charging port and other parts, which add cool eighties touches to the modern look.
The second parameter is the unconventional proportions.
The Ionic 5 is a kind of crossover, as evidenced by its height of 160 cm, but it looks more like a taut hatchback. This is due to the 300 cm wheelbase, which is typical of large luxury cars, although the overall length Stands at 463 cm, less than the family Elantra. The bottom line is that you can like or dislike the design of the Ionic 5 (we personally absolutely loved it), but it can not be ignored. The reason the Ionic 5 has unconventional dimensions is due to the fact that it is built Based on a dedicated platform for an electric vehicle, where the batteries and main assemblies are embedded in the car floor, and around it can be built in almost any shape designers want.This method has several advantages, such as lowering the center of gravity, but the biggest advantage can be seen when entering the cabin.
She is the first, followed by more, Photo: Manufacturer
The combination of the large wheelbase and the completely flat floor allows the Ionic 5 to offer a huge interior space, and to the feeling of interior space add the horizontal dashboard structure and the choice of light and pleasant shades for the padding materials.
The cabin can easily accommodate five older passengers, with plenty of leg and headroom, and it incorporates some cool features, like a center console floating and moving on a rail, and the test vehicle's high level of instrumentation - also an electrically adjustable rear seat and a semi-reclining position for the driver. Relax while waiting at the charging station.
The green approach has also dictated the use of recycled materials for the various upholstery, and not everyone feels quality to the touch, but it probably does good to the conscience.
A pair of large transverse screens is used for the variable display dashboard and main operating screen, and they offer up-to-date graphics.
Fortunately, Hyundai did not centralize all the actions in the touch screen interface, so the operation of the air conditioner can be done the old and easy way - using switches.
Motion
In the version we tested, the Hyundai Ionic 5 is equipped with a single electric motor at the rear, which provides 225 hp and drives the adjacent wheels, but there is also a dual propulsion version, with an additional electric motor at the front and a total power of 305 hp.
Despite a curb weight of about two tons, and the fact that it is not a light car, the performance in the Ionic 5 is better than any similarly sized crossover.
Although with acceleration to 100 in 7.4 seconds we have already seen more agile trams, but the Ionic 5 still has enough power to handle any task and detour.
Power is transmitted to the wheels very smoothly, and even if you press the accelerator pedal hard - there is no loss of power or wheel spin, as happens with quite a few powerful electric cars.
The regenerative braking system offers several operating modes, and is particularly effective in the maximum mode, which allows driving with one pedal.
The thought is noticeable, Photo: Manufacturer
The battery capacity of the Ionic 5 is 72.6 kilowatts, and in reality - this means that Hyundai declares a maximum driving range of 481 km (depending on the level of equipment and wheel diameter). The declared range is less achievable, and still in practice will have a range of more than 400 Km, which should be enough for a few days of suburban driving, or for a weekend trip to Grandma in Jerusalem.
Traveling to Eilat can be a bit borderline, but this limitation is solved by the support for ultra-fast charging in designated stations of up to 400 kilowatts, which do not currently exist in Israel.
However, stopping at a fast charging station of 175 kilowatts will allow you to get a "boost" range of more than 100 km in 15 minutes, which will allow you to complete the journey, or reach the safe home position.
When driving an Ionic 5, you get the feeling of a very solid car, the result of a combination of the long wheelbase and the slightly stiff suspensions.
The high level of grip gives the driver confidence, while the relatively fast and sharp steering helps to neutralize the car's sense of weight.
Despite the reactions and acceleration capability, this is not a sports car, but it is definitely a car that exudes a sense of agility that does not exist in crossovers.
The ride comfort is a bit stiff at low city speeds, also as a result of the huge 20-inch rims, but as the speed increases, so does the suspension damping ability, which joins good noise insulation, which complements the feeling of comfort on long-distance driving.
The design is different from anything Hyundai has done so far, Photo: Manufacturer
You have arrived
Hyundai's first electric car, designed from a smooth shelf, manages to stand out and impress among the variety of electric models that have landed and will still land in Israel.
The Ionic 5 manages to stand out on a practical level - it is extremely spacious and has good performance, a useful travel range for most types of travel and the ability to charge quickly as a backup.
At the level of covetedness, it manages to differentiate itself with a unique design, technological gimmicks and a high-tech atmosphere in the cabin, which manage to position it as a gadget on wheels, and also attract attention from the environment.
In the end this is not a routine car, so solid customers can shy away from the futuristic and different look in the landscape.
But those who are looking for an electric car that is also the owner's statement - will find quite a few advantages in the Ionic 5, especially since with a starting price of 190,000 shekels it will not happen from similarly equipped crossovers, and even significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model 3, which has already become too mass.
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