Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Under Scrutiny Over Reports of Power Loss While Driving

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, which was named the 2023 Top Pick Family EV by Cars.com, is facing scrutiny in the US over reports of a partial or complete loss of propulsive power. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 30 US owners of the Ioniq (2022 model year) complained of power loss while on the move, often after hearing a loud popping sound followed by a warning displayed on the dashboard. Estimated 39,500 Ioniq 5 electric vehicles were affected on US highways, raising safety concerns about the popular family EV. Concerning this, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened a preliminary inquiry, indicating a recharging issue. The preliminary review suggests that the problem lies in a power surge, which can cause damage to transistors, thereby affecting the 12-volt battery's ability to recharge.

Also Read: ADAS Comparison: Honda City vs Mahindra XUV700 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mercedes-AMG EQS

Meanwhile, Hyundai's initial analysis reveals that the issue is related to an Integrated Control Charging Unit, which is responsible for powering both the low-voltage 12-volt battery and the main electric vehicle. In a conversation with Fox Business, Hyundai spokesperson Ira Gabriel said that Hyundai was fully cooperating with the investigation. To resolve this problem, the South Korean company plans to launch a service campaign in July to update affected vehicles' software and replace the Integrated Control Charging Unit if deemed necessary. As far as the US safety agency is concerned, it will continue to examine this situation to ensure the reliability and safety of these electric vehicles.

Hyundai is not the only company to have come under the scanner over technical problems. In recent news, Jaguar recalled over 6,000 I-Pace electric SUVs due to the risk of the high-voltage battery overheating and catching fire. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV: Underpinnings, Features

Hyundai Motor India launched the much-anticipated Ioniq 5 EV crossover in India at the 2023 Auto Expo. Built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform, the Ioniq 5 EV measures 4,635 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height. The car has a remarkable 3,000mm wheelbase, which translates into a large, spacious cabin for passengers. On the feature front, the electric car includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, 20-inch parametric pixel design alloy wheels, 6 airbags, disc brakes, remote door lock/unlock, level 2 ADAS technology, and more.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV: Drivetrain

The Ioniq 5 EV comes equipped with a 72.6kWh battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a power output of 214bhp and torque of 350Nm. The manufacturer claims that the Ioniq 5 EV has an ARAI-certified range of 631 kilometres on a single charge. The vehicle can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes, using a 350 kW DC fast charger; however, only a few of these chargers are available across India. Additionally, the Ioniq 5 also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows the car to deliver up to 3.6kW of power output.

Also Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Review: It Can Do the Long Run, PROVEN!

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is technically identical to the Kia EV 6, which is already on sale in the Indian market. The Ioniq 5 EV has a price tag of Rs 44.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).