The latest frontier for the car is the circular economy. That is, the ability to reduce waste, extend the useful life of materials, and increase traceability and recycling. In short, even the most advanced electric car can do better, adding to the efficiency of the powertrain the use of biobased materials for its components. And the first examples are arriving. Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one such example. Electric, with a solar roof capable of generating energy by capturing the sun's rays, with a spacious cabin — almost like a living room — pervaded by biomaterials, polymers of natural origin, fabrics made from plant-based plastics and paints produced with plant extracts. This is the next revolution in electric mobility.

Welcome aboard the Ioniq 5

The sense of space, brightness and freedom of movement is immediately apparent. A flat floor — one of the advantages of the latest generation of electric cars. Inside, you could lie down for a nap with a sea view. The electric Ioniq 5 has plenty of legroom. The centre console slides forwards and backwards to make the use of space more flexible. Hidden within the interior trim, the floor mats and the seat upholstery are raw materials extracted from sugarcane, recycled plastic bottles, maize, and Econyl nylon yarns, obtained from recycled fishing nets.

And on the dashboard, dotted with displays, and on the door panels, surfaces treated with bio paints produced with oil extracted from maize and rapeseed flowers. Outside, flush door handles, to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Get the picture with the Ioniq 5? This is what the car needs: an electric motor, reasonable external dimensions, efficient batteries, a good range, and a progressive increase in processes inspired by the circular economy and the reuse of materials.

Don't call it an SUV

The boundary is increasingly blurred, but SUVs and crossovers have different characteristics. The former are larger and bulkier; the latter (now the most in-demand car segment on the market) are more compact in size, with an urban soul while still maintaining that look that evokes weekend getaways.

And this is exactly what the Ioniq 5 is: the first true model of the electric revolution from the Hyundai brand. Two versions are available, one with a 52 kWh battery and the other with a 72.6 kWh battery, with a (declared) electric range of up to 481 kilometres, rising to over 600 when driving predominantly in the city. Two- or four-wheel drive. And the option of charging an e-scooter, to be kept in the boot and used for the last mile. Practicality is assured by a large, regular boot that can be extended by folding down the rear seats. And by a second front compartment — small but useful for storing charging cables. Prices start from 44,750 euros, from which any applicable incentives and/or eco-bonuses can be deducted.

With young people during the All4Climate days

Electric mobility and, more broadly, the technological and energy transition of the automotive industry are now part of the future of mobility. In this regard, there are brands like Hyundai that, as well as acting on product and materials (see the Ioniq 5) and investing in a hydrogen future, choose to support the fight against climate change with strong gestures, such as providing a fleet of electric cars during the Milan days of All4Climate Italy 2021.

A roof that captures the sun's rays

In a drive towards greater energy efficiency, the Ioniq 5 adopts a solar panel roof capable of absorbing the sun's energy and storing it in the batteries. Not a major energy contribution, to be clear. But sufficient to keep the 12 V battery in good condition, or to contribute to charging the lithium battery, optimising the range. A symbolic aid (the manufacturer promises an energy contribution of up to 1,500 kilometres per year, depending on the sun exposure of the area in which you live), yet a valuable one on an electric car where even the use of the air conditioning, or the outside temperature, can affect the range.

Three power outputs and two types of drive

The most powerful version of the Ioniq, the one with the 72.6 kWh battery, available in both two- and four-wheel drive, offers remarkable performance. As remarkable is the on-board comfort. The brisk acceleration from the lights, most noticeable in the versions with power outputs ranging from 225 to 160 kW, remains interesting in the entry-level version too, equipped with the 58 kWh battery, which nonetheless delivers a power output of 125 kW. The declared range, a maximum of 481 kilometres, as always with the Ioniq 5 as well, depends on driving style, the presence of hills, and motorway journeys — the true nemesis of electric cars.

Ioniq 5, what it's like and what it offers on the road

The driving experience offered by the Ioniq 5 is influenced by many factors that go beyond the motor's power output or range — factors that have to do with the pleasantness of the interior. For a start, the instrumentation, made up of large touchscreens, makes important data clear and immediately accessible. There is also a head-up display that projects a wealth of information onto the windscreen, a good way to avoid distractions while driving. Android and Apple CarPlay compatibility are by now a given; wireless phone charging, five USB ports and voice commands are welcome additions. The rest is a blend of comfort and relaxation, silence and the absence of vibration, efficient suspension and excellent visibility, aided by the raised driving position typical of crossovers.

The array of driver assistance systems is impressive. These range from systems that automatically regulate speed and lane-keeping, to those that detect speed limits, through to useful systems that monitor driver fatigue, alert to the presence of cars, cyclists or pedestrians in blind spots, prevent collisions or the opening of doors when a cyclist is approaching. There are also systems that assist with manoeuvres, warn of incoming vehicles when pulling out of a parking space, and so on. The result is that in the Ioniq 5 you feel safe and supported, yet never overwhelmed.

When the car recharges the electric scooter

As well as making use of fast charging systems at 400 or 800 V with a 350 kW charger (just 18 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge), the Ioniq 5 is among the few electric cars to also offer a charging system for electrical devices, the so-called vehicle-to-load. This means you can put an electric scooter in the boot and recharge it while travelling, thanks to the dedicated external charging port. The system works with both 110 V and 220 V supplies and delivers up to 3.6 kW.