Driving the Innovative Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Vehicle in Georgia

Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Georgia

I recently had the opportunity to test drive the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle in Georgia. Hyundai flew me out and put me up in a nice hotel, all so I could spend a day driving the innovative EV on real roads and experience what it's like to live with.

First Impressions of the Ioniq 5

My first thought when seeing the Ioniq 5 was that it has a very unique and futuristic design that really makes it stand out. The sharp, angular body and pixelated-looking headlights and taillights give it the look of a concept car that somehow made it to full production. The interior continues that theme with two large displays, minimalist styling, and sustainable materials.

Exciting Features of the Ioniq 5

A few of the most interesting features that set the Ioniq 5 apart from other EVs on the market right now include:

• Ultra-fast 800V charging that can add over 60 miles of range in just 5 minutes
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality that lets you power devices and appliances from the car's battery
• Accommodating interior space thanks to the dedicated EV platform
• Advanced driver assistance and safety features like Highway Driving Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance

How the Ioniq 5 Performs on the Road

I spent the day driving through rural backroads and highways in Georgia to see how the Ioniq 5 handles all kinds of conditions. The first thing I noticed is how zippy it feels accelerating thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor. Even the base SE trim with a single motor gets up to speed quickly both from a standstill and while merging onto the freeway.

The handling feels responsive yet stable around turns, while the low center of gravity due to the battery pack placement helps minimize body roll. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum inside the cabin, making highway cruising feel like a breeze.

Spacious and Tech-Laden Cabin

The Ioniq 5's interior offers impressive space, especially in the rear seats and cargo area where the flat floor makes hauling large items simple. Front seat comfort is excellent over long drives thanks to the highly adjustable positions. Visibility is also good in all directions besides the rear three-quarter view.

Some of the highlights inside include the dual 12.3” curved displays for instrumentation and infotainment, head-up display, digital key, and the V2L functionality for powering devices right from an outlet built into the back seat. The infotainment software is quick and intuitive as well. There are also a number of handy storage cubbies located throughout the cabin.

Charging the Battery on the Go

I made a few stops throughout my drive to try out the Ioniq 5's ultra-fast 800V charging capability, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes when using a compatible 350 kW DC fast charger. Within 5 minutes I was already able to add over 60 miles of range.

It's seriously impressive and essentially eliminates range anxiety during road trips. Even when charging on more common Level 2 stations, you can still gain back over 20 miles per hour of charging.

The Verdict: A Truly Innovative EV

After my full day test driving the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Georgia, I walked away highly impressed. It pushes boundaries with its unique exterior styling, seriously quick charging speeds, adaptable interior space, and high-tech features.

It offers EV enthusiasts a lot of what they want like hot performance, reduced environmental impact, and the latest tech while also appealing to more mainstream buyers with its competitive pricing and crossover practicality. For all those reasons and more, the Ioniq 5 is absolutely worth test driving if you’re considering a new electric vehicle purchase.

FAQs

How far can the Hyundai Ioniq 5 drive on a full charge?

The Ioniq 5’s max driving range depends on the battery pack and trim level. The rear-wheel drive Standard Range model achieves up 303 miles per charge based on EPA estimates. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Long Range model can drive up to 256 miles when fully charged.

Does the Ioniq 5 qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit?

Yes, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit due to its large battery size and Hyundai not yet hitting the 200,000 unit cap. There may also be additional state and local incentives available for purchasing the Ioniq 5.

How long does it take to charge the Ioniq 5?

Using an 800V ultra-fast DC fast charger, the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. With more common Level 2 chargers, it can regain over 20 miles of range per hour of charging. Full charges take less than an hour at ultra-fast stations or around 7 hours on Level 2.

What self-driving and safety features are offered?

The Ioniq 5 includes the latest Hyundai SmartSense suite with driver assists like Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot View Monitor, Safe Exit Warning, and more. It also offers conveniences like smart cruise control, auto high beams, driver attention warning, and parking collision avoidance.