Overview of Hyundai Electric Vehicles

New Jersey Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) run on electric power instead of gasoline. EVs utilize one or more electric motors that run on energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. The most common type of battery used in EVs is the lithium-ion battery, the same kind of battery used in laptops and cell phones.

According to one New Jersey electric vehicle dealer, while EVs once appealed to a niche market, today's EVs are gaining wider acceptance, in part because of the extended range provided by today's batteries as well as shorter recharging times. The federal government offers an income tax credit to encourage EV sales. Many states, including Delaware and Pennsylvania, have created rebate programs for EV buyers.

Another reason EVs haven't been more widely adopted is that automakers were slow in committing to manufacturing electric cars with the same amenities as gas-powered cars. This has changed with the latest generation of electric vehicles, and all indications are that electric cars will become more accepted by the public. The folks at the New Jersey EV dealer tell us that's good news for the environment as well as consumers.

EVs have several advantages over gasoline-powered vehicles:

• Energy efficiency: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs convert more than 77 % of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. In comparison, conventional vehicles only convert between 12% and 30% of the energy that's stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
• Better for the environment: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. While there may be some emissions in the manufacturing process, electric vehicles still provide a net emissions savings.
• Performance: Electric motors are quieter than gasoline engines. They operate more smoothly, provide stronger acceleration, and require less maintenance than conventional engines.
• Reduced reliance on foreign energy sources: Since electricity is a domestic energy source, there's no need to rely on foreign oil.

Today's electric vehicles use batteries designed to last longer. According to the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and 8 to 12 years in areas that experience severe weather conditions.

Hyundai is one manufacturer with a significant commitment to EVs. The automaker currently offers two all-electric vehicles in the United States: the Ioniq Electric and the Kona Electric.

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric gets an update that gives it new exterior styling and upgraded features. The most noteworthy change may be the upgraded battery pack, which provides more power and a more extended range than the previous model. The Ioniq now uses a 38.3 kWh battery, which allows the vehicle to develop 134 horsepower, with an electric range of 170 miles. The outgoing model generated 118 hp and had a 124-mile range. The integrated charger gets a power boost as well. Using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can recharge from empty to 80% in just 54 minutes.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best EVs you can buy today. It features a driving range of 258 miles and delivers quick acceleration and a great driving experience. The Kona Electric employs a 150-kW electric motor that runs on a 64-kWh battery pack. The powerplant produces 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. On the outside, the Kona Electric shares the same basic structure as the gasoline-powered Kona, but it comes with exclusive features such as special wheels and a unique front grille and bumper. The Kona Electric can recharge its battery quickly using a 240-volt outlet. Using a DC fast-charging station is even faster.

In the short term, Hyundai announced its plans to build a standalone EV that won't include a non-electric version by 2021. Building EVs on dedicated platforms has several advantages, including integrating the heavy batteries into the vehicle's structure and optimizing weight. Converting a gasoline-powered vehicle into an EV can sometimes be challenging. Using a dedicated platform will allow Hyundai to build vehicles that are optimized for electric power.

Further evidence of Hyundai's commitment to producing EVs is the company's recent announcement that it would produce 23 battery electric vehicles (BEV) by 2025, with 11 of these dedicated BEV models.

No matter how you look at it, the inescapable conclusion is that the race to produce electric cars is heating up. Automakers will be competing to offer lighter, more powerful batteries that will provide longer driving ranges. The competition will be fierce, and car buyers will come out the winner as EVs keep getting better and better.