Lambo Blogging: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Starts at $25,835

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in completes the electrified Ioniq range, joining the lineup with a starting price of $25,835, including destination. The plug-in variant gets an all-electric range of 29 miles and has a total range of 650 miles.

Just two trim levels are offered on the plug-in, including the base model and the Limited, which starts at $29,185. For 2018, Hyundai also simplifies the Ioniq Electric line to just two trim levels. The Ioniq Plug-in undercuts the Toyota Prius Prime by more than $2,000, and also has a higher EV range at 29 miles versus the Toyota plug-in’s 25 miles. Both are eligible for a $4,500 federal tax credit. The larger Honda Clarity plug-in starts at $34,290 while the Chevrolet Volt starts at $34,095. Both qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. The Clarity plug-in has an all-electric range of 47 miles while the Volt is rated at 53 miles on battery power alone.

Compared to a 2017 Ioniq Electric, which has a range of 110 miles, the base Ioniq Plug-in is $4,550 less expensive. However, the Electric qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, which drops the price to $22,885, or roughly $1,500 more than the plug-in with its tax credit applied.

Like the standard Ioniq hybrid, the plug-in features a 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder that produces 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque. That engine is coupled to a more robust 60-hp electric motor and larger 8.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Combined output hasn’t been revealed yet, but it shouldn’t be far off from the standard Ioniq hybrid’s 139 hp, if the Kia Niro plug-in is any indication. The plug-in gets the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as the regular hybrid.

The plug-in generally looks like the standard Ioniq hybrid, but it gets low-beam LED headlights and unique 16-inch alloy wheels—in addition to the telltale charging port on the passenger-side front fender. Like the rest of the Ioniq lineup, the plug-in features a 7.0-inch TFT gauge cluster display to relay relevant information including charge level, range, and speed to the driver. Meanwhile, the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in is on sale at dealerships now.

Source: Hyundai