Hyundai to build a 250-mile EV by 2020

OREANDA-NEWS. May 24, 2016. Hyundai unveiled its trio of Ioniq vehicles earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. Including a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a 110-mile electric vehicle, Ioniq is looking to do battle with the venerable Toyota Prius. But when it comes to longer-range EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3, it appears Hyundai has a whole 'nother trick up its sleeve.

Our friends at Autoblog talked to Byung Ki Ahn, Hyundai's director for eco-friendly vehicle development, and he told the outlet that Hyundai is working on two other electric vehicles. The first is a 200-mile EV, which should be ready for 2018, about the same time as Tesla's Model 3. The second is a 250-mile EV, which is closer to the range in the larger Tesla Model S.

Hyundai did not yet return a request for comment, but it's likely that the company won't give out too many (or any) more details, given how automakers are with regards to future products. The range and target date suggest the 200-miler will be similar to the Bolt and Model 3 -- not too large. On the other hand, the 250-miler is anyone's guess. It could be as large as the Tesla Model S, or it could stay on the smaller side of the spectrum.

This is part of Hyundai's larger green strategy, which is to roll out 26 new eco-friendly models by the end of the decade. All 26 vehicles, if they make it to production, will be split between a variety of powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells and standard gas-electric hybrids.