Breaking Records: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Conquers Unprecedented Altitude Change
The Quest for World Records: Hyundai’s Latest Feat
When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs. Little did they know, it would evolve into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year’s largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.
This year, the GWR’s 2024 theme is the "Blue Planet," with a focus on the natural world. Hyundai, however, has taken this theme to the next level. The South Korean automaker has set a new world record for the greatest altitude change experienced by an electric vehicle (EV), with the 2024 theme in mind.
To achieve this record, Hyundai had an Ioniq 5 EV descend 19,035 feet during a more than 3,000-mile journey across the Indian peninsula. This December, the Ioniq 5 EV made its way from the Himalayas at India’s highest drivable point, Umling La in Leh Ladakh, located 19,025 feet above sea level, to Kuttanad, Kerala, which is 9.8 feet below sea level.
A Journey of Innovation and Sustainability
The two-week trip took the Hyundai EV through harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and steep mountain passes, as well as humid coastal regions. Despite the challenges, the Ioniq 5 performed exceptionally, demonstrating its engineering prowess and durability.
"This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustainability," said Unsoo Kim, managing director of Hyundai Motor India. "The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability."
A Record-Breaking EV
The Ioniq 5 is equipped with a 72.6 kWh battery, providing a driving range of over 300 miles. The record was set just as the 2025 Ioniq 5 started being delivered in the U.S. The new model will be the first to feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Using a Tesla SuperCharger, the basic Ioniq 5 model can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes.
As the world continues to shift towards a more sustainable future, Hyundai’s achievement serves as a beacon of innovation and a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. The future of electric vehicles has never looked brighter, and Hyundai is leading the charge.
