The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a funky little EV that manages to also be better than the Tesla Model 3. But, it turns out that following a software update, one of the Ioniq 5’s drive modes causes the car to be so slow that it can barely keep up with modern traffic.
Some two months ago reports began to pop up in online forums about how Eco mode had become incredibly slow. The change occurred after a software update intended to improve pre-conditioning battery warming. Evidently, dramatically decreasing the power in Eco mode was a bug that snuck into the update.
It’s not unusual for acceleration to be reduced or for power itself to be limited in Eco mode in most cars. In this situation, though, owners were reporting new 0-60 mph times in the 12.5-second range. YouTube channel Wrenching Fool compared two Ioniq 5s filmed doing acceleration tests, one with the update and one without the update. The Ioniq 5 without the update managed an average 0-40 mph time of 4.45 seconds. The one with the update took over 7.2 seconds.
More: Hyundai Ioniq 5 With e-Corner Tech Gets Crab Mode, Can Turn Wheels 90 Degrees
It’s worth pointing out that even with the videos, there’s no scientific confirmation of exactly how much slower the updated Ioniq 5 in its Eco mode is. At the same time, it’s a big enough problem that Hyundai is doing something about it.
In fact, a post on IoniqForum allegedly shows an interaction with a Hyundai electric vehicle systems engineer who not only confirms the issue but offers a suggestion. That suggestion is to “avoid using it.” While we can’t confirm the authenticity of that post, Hyundai did tell Jalopnik that it’s completed validation of a software update that will correct the problem.
Beginning February 27th, dealers will be able to perform the update on affected vehicles. For now, it’s likely best to just drive such vehicles in normal or sport mode. We prefer those ones anyway.
