The IONIQ is the first full production, alternative fuel ride from Hyundai. While hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric versions are in the works, Hyundai expects the focus in the GCC region will be on the hybrid model.

“There is now little doubt that alternative fuels will power the cars of the very near future, but the path from where we are now to where we need to be is still unclear.” Said Mike Song, Head of Operations for Hyundai Africa and Middle East. “We expect the industry will progressively move towards electric power as the cleanest, most efficient option…”

The IONIQ hybrid is based on Hyundai’s 1.6 liter Kappa GDI petrol engine, mated to a 32 kW electric motor. Overall, the system delivers a combined 103.6 kW of power and up to 265 Nm of torque.

The full electric model dispenses with the petrol engine, offering a 28 kWh battery for 250km before recharging. There’s less power than the hybrid at 88 kW, but torque is higher at 295 Nm. According to Hyundai, the full electric batteries can be recharged from a standard household socket, and topped up 80 per cent in about 20 minutes.

“In the GCC in particular we are seeing high levels of official support for electric vehicles, which is part of a wider push in the region to use renewable energy.” Said Mike Song. “Full electric vehicles can add value to investments being made in solar power, where recharging during daylight hours using renewable energy can create true zero-emissions motoring.”

The IONIQ joins the Sonata Hybrid and the Tucson Fuel Cell in Hyundai’s line of alternative energy cars.