Hyundai Ioniq Electric long-term test review: report 9
Can owning an electric car be a viable option even if you can't charge it at home? We're finding out, with the help of the recently facelifted Hyundai Ioniq Electric...
The car Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium SE Run by Darren Moss, deputy editor
Why it’s here To prove that electric motoring is now convenient enough to be an option for someone who can’t charge at home
Needs to Be practical and comfortable, have enough range for longer journeys, even in winter, and slash my running costs compared with a petrol or diesel car
Mileage 3702 List price £35,950 Target Price £34,891 Price as tested £35,605 Test range 170 miles Official range 194 miles (WLTP)
5 May 2020 – congested charging
There are two problems I’ve encountered so far with charging up my Hyundai Ioniq Electric in public places. The first is a combustion-engined car taking up one of the spots, something that seems to happen most often at motorway service stations and supermarkets. Indeed, at my local supermarket the other week, a diesel-engined BMW X5 was parked across two of the charging bays – prompting a store announcement for the driver to move it and a cold stare from me as I waited to charge up.
The second issue I’ve found is other electric car drivers leaving their cars plugged in for a whole day, as can happen when you’re visiting a tourist attraction or leisure centre. At my local Center Parcs, drivers are asked to move their cars once they’re charged, meaning minimal hanging around waiting for a bay to become free. In fact, when I last went pre-lockdown, there was only a single Tesla Model 3 charging up and three charging bays free – bliss.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
