Why Electric Cars AREN'T FUN!

Can an electric car be fun to drive on track? Well to find out, we've got our hands on one of the most exciting EVs around, the Hyundaio IONIQ 5 N, and we're going to compare it around Silverstone against a BMW M2 Competition!

So let's see how the two compare. Starting with the Hyundai, it’s powered by two electric motors which combine to produce 650hp and 770Nm of torque. Due to the two motors, it has four-wheel drive, and it weighs in at 2,235kg. As new, an IONIQ 5 N costs around £65,000.

Then we come to the BMW. It comes with the same 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six as found in the latest M3, but the output has been dialled down slightly, so it’ll produce 460hp and 550Nm of torque. This power is delivered to the rear wheels only, and it tips the scales at 1,725kg. If you’re looking to buy one new, it’ll set you back around £65,000.

So do you think the EV sceptic will find any positives when taking the IONIQ on track? You'll need to stick with Mat and Sam to see for yourself!

Thanks to:

[MrBryn]

For the life of me, I don't understand why charging stations don't just work like a petrol station. Plug it in and then just pay with your card.
There is zero reason for them to use an app or QR code

[InVader]

Phone apps for recharging should be illegal.

[frediiii]

If you would still be in the EU, all of your newly built DC chargers would be required by law to have NFC direct payment capabilities.

[seanbeukman]

What a surprise! Charging problems. Unreal. Mats rant was spot on. The Porsche guy said it all, "Good luck with that"

[glenfarrugia]

Agree 1000% with you Mat regarding the chargers.

[gha]

As a korean, UK is way more hard to use 5N in track.

we have fast DC charger in every major track in korea.
And even DC charger to fully charge battery, only cost less than 20 pound.
Oh, if you buy 5N brand new, charging cost is free.

So in korea, 5N is bargain of century to use track toy.
you can use 20min fun, 20min recharge and take a break, and do it again.

[dodge_walks]

7 apps for all the different car park providers. 16 apps for all the charger providers. It's a joy being a motorist . . . . .

[ohiou_kbobcat]

I experienced the same problem with my EV. Charging stations all have apps…creating accounts, setup payment methods….and they are all different and incredibly irritating.

[DickVanPaiton]

Sam wants to drive with gears. Matt says "nah" and turns it off. Matt goes into the driving seat and turns on the gear-simulation right away bragging how cool that is.

Nice!?

[ChronicBintX]

Had ours 3 weeks(5 N), loving it so far. Home charging a full charge is £7 (Intelligent Octopus Go), super chargers are a rob.

[Angusoksen]

That's just poor planning. At Denmarks largest track We have 4X 400kW chargers just outside the track entrance. We had them for 2 years! It's not that difficult!

[Humax]

I just can't believe how crappy these charging station apps are 🤮

[druscanam]

Fun fact, if you've just been thrashing your electric car and heat your battery, the internal resistance will lower allowing for faster charging so that's probably why your car charged faster than Hyundai claimed possible.

[mihilcho]

I went to SPA track day a month ago in my 2019 Megane RS Trophy. Drove 2500 km to there from Bulgaria, made 22 laps on stock brakes and drove 2500 km back with no issues at all. A lot of people hate on this car but I had so much fun without having to thing for anything than drive the hell out of it. I saw a lot of nice cars there and a lot of cars from UK but not a single EV was seen even near the track 😂

[joeynessily]

Why would Silverstone only install 22kw AC chargers?

[Timmycoo]

That whole debacle that was Mat's final petrol station visit was hilarious. Starting off with him walking right into the bollard, then having issues with the pump and receipt. So freaking funny lol.

[Basih]

Feels like the UK is like 5-7 years behind Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia when it comes to EVs. Essentially all charging stations here are required to accept normal payment cards with no apps needed.

[mikadavies]

Nice test... Two car costing around the same money.... However, the Hyundai would suit as a our family car better. Appreciated that it's not perfect on all fronts, but it is a great all round performance hatchback.

[jakes]

Look, I’m team ICE until I’m forced into an EV, but the I5N is certainly tempting. Of all EVs on sale right now, that’s easily gotta be the most engaging.

[MonicaRMartino]

For the life of me, I don't understand why charging stations don't just work like a petrol station. Plug it in and then just pay with your card.
There is zero reason for them to use an app or QR code