Hyundai Canada and Battery Damage

A quick search shows pretty much every EV (except for high ground clearance trucks) has similar cases of battery damage from underbody hits totaling the vehicle. It's not just Hyundai. This story is a good reminder of safely driving any EV, but IMHO is not a deal-breaker for purchase.

 

On the other Ioniq forum, there's been a discussion about this as well. I think having replacement insurance for this car, and the I6, is a must. I have 5 years for my I6. This is because there is no 2ndary refurbishing and repair facility yet for these cars, unlike the Teslas and many other brands. Our cars are still too new to warrant such a business. But in 5 or 8 years I expect there will be. But if you are in an accident where the battery has to be replaced, regardless of fault, your car will be written off, and you will only get market value at the time. And we all know how quickly resale drops on new cars, today.

 

Yes, you need replacement insurance for sure. The cost of insuring my new Ioniq 6 this year in BC was LESS than the cost of insuring my new Subie Forester way back in 2018. Both had, of course, new car replacement insurance.

 

Yeah these stories are discouraging for sure BUT when you hit something (rock, steel, other debris) at 100kmh not much is going to protect that battery.
The piece that is under there is just for stream lining and helping to keep under body clean(er)....I do not believe for a minute it is there to "protect" the battery from a high speed debris impact.
Recently a local 2021(iirc) Silverado Diesel pick up truck took out its oil pan, most of the crank shaft and transmission when a big piece of schedule 40 pipe bounced up under the truck. Do not know if the truck was written off but replacing a diesel and the tranny is not a cheap proposition and I suspect it ran into well North of $25,000! The only reason I put any number on it as I have bought a few crate engines in my life and I know how pricey they are.
So any vehicle can take a major hit at high speed and no skid plates likely will not save you!
Cheers
Mike
2022 Hyundai Ioniq5 Ultimate Cyber Gray
2017 Nissan Leaf SV black
Misc other vehicles that still running dinosaur juice!

 

Thank you for all the information. I have since watched the videos and have seen the CTV program on the issue. Unfortunately, my Ioniq 5, does not have replacement insurance (not that I am wanting to replace it!). I loved the car, owned it for two and a half years, and am extremely upset at the loss. The car itself is reporting no issues, but the dealership believes that there ‘might be’ damage to the battery since there are dents in the battery enclosure. There are certainly large tears and gouges in the material which is installed under the battery enclosure. There is also a crack in the steering motor housing (according to the dealer’s service department).
I am located in the central Vancouver Island area.

 

Your Ioniq 5 is completely totalled, and it is a known E-GMP design flaw that the cooling channel is directly above the plastic protection cover. I'm surprised there is no class action lawsuit as of yet.

 

No. Duncan Hyundai. Hi neighbour!




Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

Hi electriceddy,
I replied through the mail notification so you probably didn’t get it!
We are going away for a few weeks and when I hear from the adjuster, I will pass on your valuable suggestions.
I would much prefer a repair to a cash settlement as there seems to be little damage according to the car’s self-diagnosis.
I will keep you informed and again I thank you for your help.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

An update, I heard from Hyundai Canada, Steven of Customer Relations, who obviously did not read my message as he advised me to take the car to the dealer, which I had informed him I had already done! My response to him was to ask Hyundai to contribute to the cost of repairs, as they have done for others. I don’t know whether I’ll get a reply, but I’ll let you know.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

After six weeks and an angry letter to Hyundai Canada everything fell into place today. Hyundai Canada lowered the battery replacement cost $30,000. The dealer informed the insurance company that they couldn’t guarantee that they wouldn’t find more damage, and the insurance company decided to write the vehicle off.
Morals of the story:
1. Buy replacement insurance.
2. Realize that no one knows how to repair, much less figure out what is wrong with these cars.
Thank you for the advice and for listening to my story.
Shen



Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

Clarification: the drop in price is $30,000. From $56,000 to $26,000.


Sent from my iPad using Inside EVs

 

What was the fine print on the reduction? Did it include a Hold-Harmless Indemnity clause as E-GMP hush money?

 

I have no idea. I just asked the dealer what Hyundai Canada had quoted him for the cost of the battery replacement.

 

That’s rough to hear about the Ioniq 5 battery issues in Canada. EV tech is amazing but still has its bumps, especially with harsh climates taking a toll. I’m still warming up to EVs, but seeing stuff like this makes me hold off.