2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is that the Limited trim makes several previously optional safety and convenience features standard. Otherwise, this is a light equipment update with the same battery, motor, and driving range as 2017.
About the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
1st generation Ioniq Electric (2017-2019 pre-facelift), second model year.
Hyundai positions the Ioniq Electric as an easy, practical way to move into EV ownership without giving up the familiarity of a compact hatchback. Its core appeal is very high efficiency, useful fast-charging capability, a roomy five-door layout, and mainstream comfort and safety technology. Instead of making the car look or feel radical, Hyundai sells it as a normal daily driver that happens to be fully electric and especially efficient.
The 2018 Ioniq Electric is a two-trim electric hatchback with a 28-kWh battery, a 118-hp motor, an EPA-rated 124-mile range, and standard DC fast charging. The base trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Limited adds leather seating, a sunroof, navigation, premium audio, and more driver-assistance technology.
What changed, by category
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 118 hp |
| Torque | 218 lb-ft | 218 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23 cu-ft | 23 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 124 | 124 |
| MPGe Combined | 136 | 136 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 Ioniq Electric Limited made several formerly optional features standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, navigation, premium audio, its touchscreen system, and a power sunroof. The core electric powertrain carried over.
Did the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric get a larger battery or more range?
No. The 2018 Ioniq Electric kept its 28-kWh battery, 118-hp electric motor, and EPA-rated 124-mile range.
Which 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric trim received the main updates?
The Limited received the main 2018 updates. Its changes centered on making safety, navigation, audio, touchscreen, and sunroof equipment standard rather than optional.
Was the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric redesigned?
No. The 2018 model remained part of the first-generation, pre-facelift Ioniq Electric and received only a light equipment update.
Did DC fast charging become standard for 2018?
No. DC fast-charging capability was already part of the Ioniq Electric formula and continued for 2018; it was not a new change that year.