Hyundai’s compact and efficient EV just set a Guinness World Record. The record title itself, and the reason to even set it, seems like a head-scratcher. What was the point of this and what impact will it have, if any? But really, it showcases the Ioniq 5’s durability, versatility, and technological capabilities – and maybe its appeal to adventure enthusiasts.
Korean EV Conquers The World’s Steepest Challenge (But Where’s The Ioniq 5 XRT?)
The futuristic-looking electric crossover set the Guinness World Record title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car. Technically, it’s a crossover but all is forgiven. Organized by Hyundai Motor India and accomplished by a professional team from Evo India, the trek saw the Ioniq 5 conquer an altitude change of 5,802 meters. The expedition began at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, India’s highest drivable point at 5,799 meters above sea level, and wrapped up in Kuttanad, Kerala, which sits three meters below sea level.
The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability…we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in e-mobility, and this record further reinforces our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’
– Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited
(For reference, about 6,000 meters represents roughly half the distance commercial airlines cruise at. Or driving to the peak of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania standing at 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet.)
Oddly, to set his record, Hyundai didn’t use its rugged Ioniq 5 XRT grade, based on the photos we see. The XRT boosts ground clearance and approach angles, and adds two tow hooks for good measure. Plus, it looks the part to handle diverse terrains, similar to its
. Then again, the built-in-America 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT will be the first Hyundai built in Georgia, and this record-setting event was an international affair.
The Ioniq 5’s High-Capacity Battery And Driving Range Made It Possible
From icy mountain passes to India’s coastal plains, the EV covered more than 3,045 miles in just two weeks. The record-setting journey puts some of the Ioniq 5’s key specs on full display, highlighting its resilience, advanced technology, and performance.
Frankly, this feat wouldn’t have been possible without the high-capacity battery offering impressive driving range and performance. The latest Hyundai Ioniq 5 models come with two battery options: a 63 kWh Standard Range and an 84 kWh Long Range, providing up to 273 miles and 354 miles of range, respectively.
Climbing mountains or not, these range specs translate to real-world benefits and surpasses the Ioniq 5’s closest rivals. Including the Tesla Model Y (up to 330 miles, Long Range), the sporty Mustang Mach-E (312 miles, Extended Range), the VW ID.4 we recently compared to the Ioniq 5 (only 275 miles, Pro), and sibling Kia EV6 (328 miles) which do both offer some differences.
While this wasn’t a time-based record, we’re guessing the Ioniq 5’s acceleration also helped in setting this Guinness feat, with the Long Range all-wheel-drive variant capable of achieving 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.1 seconds. For charging duties, it supports ultra-fast charging, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes when connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger.
TopSpeed’s Take
Sure, this achievement underscores Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. And having a world record under your belt is never a bad thing. But more than anything, it shows what battery-electric vehicles are capable of especially in a grueling place like India – not just the Ioniq 5 crossover, but compact EVs across the board. With battery and electric range improvements in the near future, we’re sure more world records will be set, well beyond The Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car.
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