Looks like the title of being the most energy-efficient car in the United States will be taken away from the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. The model just managed to take the title a few months ago, but with the all new 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric debuting soon, its features are set to outperform Toyota's offering and all other cars on the market, according to the US EPA's testing system.
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid has an EPA-rated range of 133 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) combined when operating in electric mode, according to CNET. Prior to this, the top spot once belonged to the BMW i3, which held that spot since 2014. The title is a tough one to claim, especially now that several highly efficient electric cars are out on the market.
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric however, has an EPA-rated range of 124-miles and 136 MPGe combined. These figures reveal that the Ioniq is at least a step above the Prius Prime's 133 MPGe electric mode. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also rated Hyundai's first electric car as one of the most efficient cars, Master Herald reported.
According to Ahn Byung-ki, director of Hyundai's eco-vehicle performance, although the current 124-mile range is adequate for now, they are looking to extend it in time. Ahn also mentioned that a 200-mile version of the Ioniq Electric will be arriving some time in 2018. He did not state any further details.
In Korea and Europe, Hyundai Ioniq Electric is already in operation. Hyundai has also devised an interesting promotional technique for consumers - a car-sharing method wherein they will bring 400 Ioniq Electric hatchbacks into the market and have consumers enjoy a ride without spending money. WaiveCar will provide a low-priced car-sharing option as well: selling ads for the vehicles to reduce ride cost.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric is slated to hit the market in the first half of 2017.
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