Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
TEST DRIVE IONIQ 6 set to drive EV popularization as longest-range car
A front view of Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 6 electric sedan / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
By Lee Min-hyung
Hyundai Motor's flagship EV likely to appeal to customers seeking fun, daily driving
GOYANG, Gyeonggi Province — Hyundai Motor’s refreshed all-electric sedan, the new IONIQ 6, has returned with the eye-catching label of the electric vehicle (EV) with the longest driving range in Korea.
The carmaker’s flagship electric sedan is capable of travelling up to 562 kilometers on a single charge, the longest among any EV available for sale here. Hyundai Motor expects the vehicle to help speed up the popularization of EVs in the local market.
In a media event to introduce key features of the vehicle on Wednesday, the carmaker showcased the vehicle’s 84 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, up from 77.4 kWh in the previous model.
Along with the enhanced battery capacity, the carmaker achieved an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.21 to maximize the driving range. Vehicles with a lower drag coefficient are considered highly aerodynamic, helping them run with less air resistance.
A rear view of the IONIQ 6 electric sedan / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
“We have been able to launch the longest-range EV by enhancing its battery capacity and aerodynamic performance,” a researcher at Hyundai Motor told reporters during the carmaker’s tech talk event at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in Gyeonggi Province.
A test drive offered a closer look at what sets the new IONIQ 6 apart. The vehicle stood out with its sleek and dynamic silhouette. Developed with the carmaker’s “electrified streamliner” design philosophy, the vehicle minimizes wind resistance and delivers a futuristic and forward-looking design identity.
Slim daytime running lights accentuate its refined appearance. A seamless side profile also elevates its overall design quality, giving it a clean and cohesive look.
A side view of the IONIQ 6 electric vehicle / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
The vehicle was tested during a roughly 40-kilometer one-way trip from the studio to a cafe in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. On a normal drive setting, the IONIQ 6 delivered balanced acceleration and deceleration.
As a flagship electric sedan, the vehicle was comfortable. When it was switched to sports mode, it gave the thrill of driving a traditional sports car with an internal combustion engine. The immediate torque delivery made it clear that the EV is not just about efficiency, but can also be a good alternative for drivers who value fun.
Hyundai Motor also upgraded its regenerative braking system for the vehicle. One-pedal driving was intuitive and smooth, helping drivers minimize the use of its brake pedal. Regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy lost in braking and converts it into battery power.
The carmaker expects the vehicle to serve as a sales driver in the electric sedan segment. The carmaker is on track to build a full EV lineup, with a particular focus on electric SUVs such as the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.