DRIVING THE IONIQ 6 ACROSS AMERICA PROVES THAT HYUNDAI MAKES A MONSTER ROAD TRIPPING EV! I-90 SURGE

EV Channels Review

Team Ioniq 6 recounts their impressive third-place finish in the I-90 Surge cross-country EV road trip. Despite initial low expectations, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD proved to be a surprisingly capable road trip machine, impressing the team with its performance and efficiency. Key takeaways include the vehicle's optimal charging sweet spot between 10-70% (avoiding the 'Korean Siesta' after 80%), and its ability to compete closely with benchmarks like the Tesla Model 3. The team navigated challenges including a cracked windshield, a police stop due to its dealer VIN, and strategic charging decisions, often arriving at stations with minimal battery buffer (as low as 5% or even 0%). While the Ioniq 6's built-in navigation was deemed unreliable for such an event, the team's meticulous manual planning, factoring in elevation and wind, was crucial. The rivalry with the EQS, marked by instances of charging rate degradation when the EQS plugged in, added an interesting dynamic, though the exact cause (shared power or thermal throttling) remained debated. Ultimately, the Ioniq 6 is recommended for those seeking a compelling alternative to Tesla for long-distance travel, offering a good balance of efficiency, price, and surprising road trip prowess.