Hyundai Ioniq 9: A vintage vehicle with charging that’s ready for the future
The Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s next electric flagship, was just introduced. After the Ioniq 5 and 6, this three-row SUV is the third model in the manufacturer’s retro-futuristic EV portfolio. Even though the 9 has many retro features, such as tilting bucket seats, what will truly get EV aficionados talking is what’s underneath the surface. Spoiler alert: charging speeds and efficiency are crucial.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is both useful and vintage
The Ioniq 9 appears to be a mid-century modern dream at first appearance. As if minivans were Lamborghinis, its low ride height, boxy back, and flat floor give it a vintage minivan vibe. Clever black-painted wheel holes provide the appearance of more aggressive style, while the pixelated lighting (taken from the Ioniq 5) gives a modern touch.
The Ioniq 9 maintains its classic aesthetic where it matters most. Reminiscent of the classic camper vans of the 1970s and 1980s, the seats in the second row may be rotated to face the third row. For the EV age, Hyundai is embracing this function, which allows passengers to unwind, converse, or even work while they wait at charging stations. Additionally, the brand remains traditional where it counts most: essential controls are still physical buttons and knobs. Thankfully, you won’t have to go through touchscreens to defrost your windshield or turn up the heat.
What distinguishes the Ioniq 9?
The Ioniq 9 is designed for EV road warriors and looks the part. It is powered by Hyundai’s innovative 800-volt system, which means it can charge very quickly. When linked to the fastest chargers, the Ioniq 9 can supposedly go from 10% to 80% in under 24 minutes, according to Hyundai. In a world where congested charging stations are becoming the norm, that is not only practical, but it is also future-proof.
However, efficiency is the other element of the equation; quick charging is only half the fight. With a single motor and rear-wheel drive, Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 could travel 3.5 miles on one kWh of power. With a 110-kWh battery, its projected range would be 385 miles. For comparison, that is more fuel-efficient than the three-row Kia EV9, which is its sibling (averaging 2.9 miles per kWh).
When it comes to miles driven per minute of charging, the Ioniq 9 may be on par with the finest in its class when it comes to road trips. When you want to make as few stops as possible on your way from point A to point B, that’s what counts.
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The bottom line
With its revolving bucket seats, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is more than simply a show-stopper. It’s a cutting-edge road vehicle designed to succeed in the EV era by striking a balance between smart efficiency and remarkable charging times. This SUV can be the ideal choice whether you’re looking for a long-distance rig or a rolling couch.
