With most new electric vehicles in Singapore stuck in Category B, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2021) is probably the best Category A car to get. It offers decent range at around 311km, premium features such as a sunroof, electric driver seats, wireless phone charging, and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. It retails for S$173,888 for the premium model, due to higher COE prices.
Quick specs
- 38.3kWh battery with 311km range, DC100 kW fast charging, 7.2kW AC
- 357l boot, knockdown rear seats for more space
- 16-inch wheels, front wheel drive
- Ventilated front seats, driver-side adjustable lumbar
- 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and CarPlay
The front-wheel drive Ioniq Electric (2021) features a hatchback body style that's as long as most sedans. Like most electric cars, it uses a Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor. That means it's silent, revs up really fast, and has about 295Nm of torque. Acceleration is at about 10.2s (0 – 100km/h) with a top speed of just 165km/h, but that's not what this car is about. What this car offers is a comfortable ride that will get you places, and enough power to quickly overtake if needed. The electric motor also means you'll be first off when the light changes. And because it's zippy, it gets you quickly up to speed without straining.
The car also offers paddles to control the regenerative level, which you can use to slow your car down. There are three levels — use level three for maximum efficiency. Unlike the Nissan Leaf, there's no one pedal driving — you will still need to use the brake. The car does have auto-hold, which is handy in traffic jams so you can ease your foot off the brake. Other neat features include driver-only aircon (to save power), smart cruise control with radar to manage your speeds, and lane keeping assistance. The driver-side seat also features driver memory, which lets you switch seat and mirror positions for two drivers. The interior is also spacious, and the sunroof is nice to have, but not needed. My only grouse is the bar that appears in the rear view, but you get used to it quick enough.
Charging speed is fast with a 100kW DC charger, it takes about an hour or so. On the other hand, there's also 7.2kW AC charging. That takes about six hours or more to fill up the 38.3kWh battery. A full charge costs around S$20 or so based on current rates. Official efficiency is rated at 11.7kWh/100km. Over a month, between city and highway driving, I got around 12kWh/100 km. It's pretty efficient, compared to other EVs in its category. Other nice things include an eight-year battery warranty, and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2021) is probably one of the best Cat A EVs you can get now. Note that while it's technically discontinued, its Singapore dealer (Kocomo Motors) plans to continue selling the car for the near future. Alternatively, consider the 39.2kWh Hyundai Kona model, or the MG ZS if you're looking for other Cat A EVs. Book a test drive here.
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