The electrification of the automotive sector is relatively recent . We say relatively because forgetting that the first cars in history were electric would be cheating. However, the trend and the need to reduce polluting emissions have forced manufacturers to take action. And each has done so as they saw fit, although as time has passed, many processes have become more uniform.
Especially in terms of engineering, as manufacturers are working to create new platforms . The goal is very simple: to reduce development costs at all costs. And one of the pioneering models in this field is the Hyundai Ioniq . Did you know it was the first car designed from the ground up to accommodate three powertrains? Yes, but that seems to have been forgotten, and its legacy will be absorbed by the Ioniq (plain and simple) when it's discontinued in July …
The Hyundai Ioniq was born in 2016 as the first car developed for three different types of powertrains…
In case you've forgotten, the first time we saw the Hyundai Ioniq was at the Geneva Motor Show . It was in 2012, and it appeared as the i-oniq prototype, which in 2016 gave rise to the Ioniq we all know. However, its commercial launch wasn't uniform, as they first released the hybrid (HEV) version. Later came the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and almost simultaneously, they did the same with the pure electric (BEV).
Interestingly, between the end of 2016 and December 2021, it sold 135.692 units in Europe . This may seem like a small number, but considering its design and cutting-edge technology, it's a respectable figure. Furthermore, Hyundai states that it has far exceeded its sales targets. However, sales could still increase, as sales continued until last May, and some units remain available.
In any case, Hyundai executives believe the original Ioniq should give way to the Ioniq sub-brand . This transition won't be easy, as the paradigm shift represents a complete break with the price and positioning of the former. Even so, this decision wasn't taken lightly; it was planned long ago. The reason is that they need to adapt their products to the evolving demands of consumers and the automotive industry.
Therefore, the Ulsan factory (South Korea), where all three versions of the Ioniq are assembled, will cease production in a few weeks. It will be in July, although the company has not specified the exact date the assembly line will stop. It is already unavailable in some markets, but in Spain it can still be ordered ( here ). So, if you want one, you'll have to act fast to avoid missing out on the factory's allocation.
Meanwhile, farewell to a pioneer …
Source – Hyundai
