Key Points
- Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change. During its 3,000-mile journey in India, the EV descended 19,035 feet.
- The journey began in Umling La (19,025 feet above sea level) and ended in Kuttanad (9.8 feet below sea level).
- The record surpasses the previous 2022 feat by China’s Changan Nevo A07 EV.
- The Ioniq 5 features a 72.6 kWh battery with a range of over 300 miles. The 2025 Ioniq 5 introduces NACS charging, enabling fast battery replenishment.
The Guinness World Records (GWR), originally created in 1955 to resolve debates in British pubs, has evolved into a global celebration of extraordinary achievements. With the 2024 theme focusing on the “Blue Planet” and the natural world, Hyundai Motor Company embraced the challenge by setting a new record for the greatest altitude change experienced by an electric vehicle (EV).
In December, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV achieved this feat by descending 19,035 feet over a journey spanning more than 3,000 miles across India. This milestone surpassed the previous record set by China’s Changan Nevo A07 EV, which in 2022 descended 18,766 feet during a 1,500-mile expedition through Tibet.
The Ioniq 5 began its journey in the Himalayas at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, India’s highest drivable point, situated 19,025 feet above sea level. The journey concluded in Kuttanad, Kerala, one of the few regions in the world below sea level, at 9.8 feet. Over two weeks, the EV navigated challenging terrains, including freezing mountain passes and humid coastal regions, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in extreme conditions.
Unsoo Kim, managing director of Hyundai Motor India, highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability,” Kim stated.
The Ioniq 5, equipped with a 72.6 kWh battery, offers a driving range exceeding 300 miles. The record-breaking achievement coincides with the U.S. release of the 2025 Ioniq 5, which introduces a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The latest model enables charging from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a Tesla SuperCharger.
By setting this record, Hyundai underscores its dedication to pushing boundaries and contributing to sustainable mobility while highlighting the Ioniq 5’s durability in diverse and extreme environments.