The Ioniq 5 was unveiled back in February and yet we’re already hearing Hyundai is working on an important update for its electric SUV. According to South Korean publication ET News, the maximum driving range will be increased by at least 10% and there are also plans to give the zero-emissions vehicle support for over-the-air updates.
The revised Ioniq 5 has apparently been shown already behind closed doors and is expected to be publicly unveiled as early as 2022 when it’s also scheduled to hit the market. How will they be able to squeeze out more range? It is believed the battery capacity will significantly grow from the current 72.6 kWh (usable) to 77.5 kWh for the optional long-range pack. That would mirror the version sold in the United States where the vehicle is offered with a larger battery compared to the international model.
The improvement will be possible by increasing the number of 2.4 kW battery modules from the current 30 to 32 to mirror the Kia EV6, which rides on the same E-GMP dedicated electric platform as the Ioniq 5 and the Genesis GV60. Changing the battery after only about a year on sale will likely upset early adopters unless Hyundai will find a way to push an over-the-air update and unlock more range as Volvo has been doing with the XC40 Recharge.
Speaking of OTA updates, ET News goes on to say software revision on the fly will be extended beyond the infotainment system. Hyundai is apparently planning to push new software to tweak the Ioniq 5’s suspension, driver assistance systems, and even the airbags, all without having to take the SUV to your local dealer. In its domestic market, Ioniq 5 owners – regardless of the trim level – will reportedly be allowed to transfer the battery’s energy back into the grid from 2022 through an OTA update for the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) function.
Aside from fiddling with the battery and launching additional OTA updates, Hyundai is said to be working on a sporty N version as the first electric offering from its N lineup of performance vehicles. The E-GMP platform has already demonstrated it can support a higher-spec application, with the Kia EV6 GT providing 577 horsepower from its dual electric motors.
Source: ET News
