Two weeks into my journey with the Hyundai IONIQ 6, and I have to say, living with an EV has been a fascinating and slightly transformative experience. It was a bit about unlearning old habits, embracing new conveniences, and occasionally navigating unexpected quirks.
The Ghost of Range Anxiety
I’ll admit I started off this journey with a slight case of range anxiety. Something about watching the battery percentage tick down feels like watching your phone’s battery drain—except that it powers your car, not your mobile ‘lifeline’.
In the first week, I charged the car whenever I could. I’d plug it in at malls, residential carparks, and office buildings whenever I attended meetings. Part of it was just for the novelty—EV chargers feel like shiny new toys to try—but part was that nagging “what if I run out of juice?” worry.
But by week two, I started to relax. EV chargers in Singapore are everywhere—malls, HDB carparks, and even some workplaces are kitted out with them. It’s almost as if once you start driving an EV, you notice chargers in places you never did.
That said, not every charging experience has been perfect. At the Shell MacPherson station, I encountered a faulty charger that refused to cooperate. It was a minor hiccup and a good reminder that while EV infrastructure here is solid, occasional technical issues are part and parcel of the experience.
I’m also beginning to think that too many charging vendors are out there. To date, I’ve installed six apps (Shell, SP Group, Volt, Charge+, Charg Eco, ChargEV), and who knows how many more I’ll need if I want the flexibility of charging around the island?
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Let’s talk about the car itself because, wow, it continues to impress me. The IONIQ 6 feels bigger than it looks, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s sleek and stylish from the outside—an aerodynamic beauty (okay, maybe not to some). But step inside, and it’s like stepping into a Santa Fe (sort of).
The cabin is airy, with ample legroom for everyone on board. Whether hauling groceries, festive decorations, or a tree (true story), the Ioniq 6 takes it all in stride. And the boot? It’s one of those rare gems that’s deceptively spacious—it hides its cavernous capacity until you start loading it up.
Driving the IONIQ 6 is another level of zen. EVs are naturally smoother and quieter than their combustion counterparts, but the IONIQ 6 takes it a step further. The ride quality is plush, and the motor’s power delivery is so seamless that it feels like gliding on silk. Even the busiest roads seem less stressful when the car cocoons you in near silence.
A Growing Bond
Here’s the thing: I’m starting to form a bond with this car. Yes, it’s still technically a review unit, but the more time I spend with it, the harder it is to imagine giving it back. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has slotted seamlessly into my daily life, making me rethink how we view cars.
As I head into week three, I’m excited to continue testing the IONIQ 6 through the new year season. Stay tuned—there’s more to discover!
