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Hyundai Electric SUV to Become Reality by 2018

After Tesla Motors launched the Model X, the world has suddenly realized that electric SUVs are worth taking into consideration. Before long, Hyundai had caught wind of the increasing demand for such an automobile and hey presto, the South Korean carmaker decided to develop an electric SUV that is reportedly due to roll out by calendar year 2018.
Hyundai Ioniq 1 photo
Photo: Hyundai
As per a report published by the Korea Herald, the Hyundai Motor Company’s research & development facility in Namyang is on the job at full steam ahead. A spokesman told the publication that it’s true Hyundai “will launch a new electric SUV,” albeit such news shouldn’t be taken for granted. Then again, I tend to give the report the thumbs up considering that Hyundai is now a full-fledged player in the EV realm.

Hyundai Ioniq, anyone? Yes, that five-door hatchback which is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric runabout. It shouldn’t be that hard for Hyundai to apply the battery-powered formula to a sport utility vehicle. Sister company Kia has taken the first step in this direction with the Niro hybrid crossover, which will spawn a plug-in hybrid at a later date. The Kia Niro shares some bits and bobs with the hybridized Hyundai Ioniq, including the engine, the transmission, and 103-inch wheelbase.

There’s another reason the upcoming Hyundai electric SUV is relevant in the automotive ecosystem. You see, the Tesla Model X is expensive. The 2018 Audi Q6 electric SUV will be priced too high for us mortals as well. The Hyundai? Just as you’ve assumed, the South Korean carmaker will have the edge in pricing.

Despite the fact that the Hyundai Ioniq Electric can travel up to 110 miles (177 km) on a full charge, the electric sport utility vehicle from Hyundai is rumored to up the ante to 200 miles (320 km) or thereabout. The additional range over the Ioniq will be possible thanks to a “different platform from that of the Ioniq.”
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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