Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 electric SUV has set a Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car, driving from Umling La in Leh Ladakh at 5799m (19,024 ft) above sea level to Kuttanad in Kerala, 3 meters below sea level. The 5802-meter descent was completed in 14 days, covering over 4900 kms and demonstrating the vehicle’s resilience and performance in extreme conditions. The drive was undertaken by a team from Evo India.
The IONIQ 5’s journey began at India’s highest drivable road, Umling La. The team then navigated the challenging terrains and varying climatic conditions across India to reach Kuttanad, which is located below sea level. This journey highlighted the vehicle’s adaptability to diverse environments, ranging from the Himalayas to the coastal regions of Kerala.
The 14-day expedition covered over 4900 kilometers. The route included high-altitude mountain passes with freezing temperatures and the humid coastal areas of Kerala. This demonstrated the IONIQ 5’s ability to perform consistently in diverse climates and challenging terrains.
What does it signify?
The Guinness World Record attempt showcases Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility. The IONIQ 5’s performance reinforces Hyundai’s vision for the future of electric vehicles.
“We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai IONIQ 5 create history by achieving the Guinness World Record™ for the highest altitude change by an electric car. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustainability. The IONIQ 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability. At Hyundai, we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in e-mobility, and this record further reinforces our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,” said Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Limited.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This platform was specifically designed for electric vehicles, prioritizing smart mobility experiences.
The IONIQ 5’s design takes inspiration from Hyundai’s iconic PONY. This futuristic design aims to represent the transition towards a new era of electric mobility.
The vehicle is equipped with a 72.6 kWh battery, which contributes to its impressive driving range. It also incorporates advanced safety features and smart technologies, enhancing the overall driving experience.
What does this record signify?
This record-setting drive further solidifies the IONIQ 5’s position in the electric vehicle market. Hyundai emphasises the vehicle’s combination of performance, safety, technology, and design. The company remains committed to providing innovative mobility solutions and contributing to a sustainable future.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) spearheaded this initiative to highlight the capabilities of its flagship electric SUV. The IONIQ 5 was selected for its advanced technology and robust performance characteristics, deemed suitable for the challenging endeavor. The company collaborated with Evo India, a prominent automotive media outlet, for this record attempt, leveraging their expertise in automotive testing and performance evaluation. The team from Evo India was responsible for driving the IONIQ 5 throughout the journey.
The chosen route, from Umling La to Kuttanad, presented a wide range of challenges. These included extreme temperatures, varying altitudes, and diverse terrains. This diversity was intentional, aimed at thoroughly testing the IONIQ 5’s capabilities under a broad spectrum of real-world driving conditions.
The successful completion of this Guinness World Record attempt signifies a notable achievement for Hyundai. It underscores the company’s commitment to developing high-performance electric vehicles capable of withstanding diverse and challenging environments. This accomplishment further positions the IONIQ 5 as a prominent contender in the evolving electric SUV market.
