Ioniq 5 Ultimate 73kWh RWD

I did the sums last year wrt our local Aldi and how much free electricity we got from a two lap dawdle around the shop and decided it wasn't worth the battery cycle count.

I wasn't with you WDB so only you can decide if it was wrong. You obviously thought not or wouldn't have done it.

If there's an agreement between Tesco and the local council the site is for the benefit of all, no problem. If there are signs up stating it's for the shops customer's and someone drives in needing charge and no free spaces while they are doing their grocery shopping then you can possibly see the issue even if it would only give a nominal 20% for two hours charge of a 64kWh battery over two hours @7kw.

Would it be any different to anyone working in central Lewes parking their EV all day on charge and popping in for £2 meal deal at lunchtime ? Some people would feel very comfortable about this.

Technically, they are a customer but not in the spirit of things.

I think working all day somewhere and parking free on charge would be wrong. Many Tesco car parks have limits displayed for parking. Whether these are really policed is another thing.

One of our Tesco's has one rapid charger and 4 type 2 chargers. The rapid charger is 50kW and two of the type 2's are actually 22kW. But how many electric cars accept even 11kW AC let alone 22kW?

The rapid chargers are apparently 28p/kWh according to the PodPoint app. The Manchester Be.EV network's type 2 chargers at the tram stop have now gone up to 49p/kWh! When I first used these they were free, then about 13p and then about 24p before I stopped needing the use. At home it is 19p/kWh.

2,500(+) mile report.

Just rolled over 2,700 miles. So far still very happy but let's get the bad things out of the way...

The lack of electric door handles, about which I have previously commented, is a little frustrating but not a deal breaker. It is a reflection of the lack of chips and every owner of a 2022 model is complaining about it. It is a pity Hyundai did not bother to bring this to the attention of the dealers, let alone the customers. I would have preferred that they dumped some other function (see Lane Change below) and kept the electric handles. Also I seem to be missing a 12v socket in the boot which is odd.

The Land Assist function and Lane Change function are adequate but not perfect. I think the Tesla versions are better. However they are better than nothing on longer journeys.

Many people on YouTube and other places have commented about the lack of a rear wiper. Frankly the camera system and mirrors are so good I don't miss it. Whether I will agree with that after winter remains to be seen.

The good points - well there are lots. Comfort, space, performance, quietness, good quality entertainment system, ventilated seats in warm weather and the great steering wheel with flat bottom really helps on longer journeys. Long journeys are not accompanied by back aches, numb bottoms or deafened ears. It is a joy to drive long distances as it is so relaxing and more so than my E350CDi.

The controls on the steering wheel and centre dash for HVAC etc are very good with no inadvertent pushes (unlike the VW vehicles). The dash is very clear with plenty of information. I love the glove drawer which is far more useful than a glovebox with a drop down door. What is really amazing is the speed at which my phone connects to Bluetooth. It is pretty well instantaneous. If I am on call and get into the car, the phone connects almost immediately I turn the car on. Every other car I have driven it can take more than several seconds. This is very impressive, especially for someone who is frequently on the phone to clients/children/wife.

The quality of the build is evident and the materials are generally fine. It is a little bit plasticky in parts, but having chosen the light colour interior, you don't notice that, only the space and light which wows everyone.

The looks still get me excited. You spot another one some distance way because of the unique DRLs (I saw another this morning and we waved at each other). I like the driving height. Similar to the S-Max, you slide into the car rather than drop down or climb up. I don't feel intimidated by Range Rovers and the like, especially since at urban speeds I can get away from them very rapidly and silently.

Finally economy. My average is 3.7 miles/kWh. The car is certainly more economical now than it was when I first got it and suburban driving regularly gives me 4+ miles/kWh. Motorway driving at usual speeds does drag it down. My trip today from Manchester to Doncaster return was 135 miles which used 51% battery at about 3.6 miles/kWh. I was generally keeping up with the traffic rather than mimsing along at 65mph. The trip cost me £10 at home charging prices. My Merc would have cost me £28-£30 (and the same cost if I had solely charged at fast charger). This means I can be certain of a 260 mile motorway range and closer to 280-300 for urban driving which I think is excellent. Having worked out that stopping for a pee/coffee after say 130 - 160 miles and a ten minute fast charge is the most effective way of planning a trip, maximum range is less of an issue.

Overall I give the car a 9 out of 10. I think it would get a 9.5 if the interior was Lexus quality of materials but the remaining 0.5 is down to the lack of electric door handles, 12v socket and less than perfect Lane Keeping/Changing.

Still a happy driver...

If 12v socket missing from the boot is an issue you can remedy that for £5:
www.halfords.com/motoring/car-accessories/interior-car-accessories/halfords-illuminated-cigarette-lighter-706073.html

These days there's usually a fuse box in there with spare fuses.

If you don't feel up to it ask your dealer or an auto electrician to do it.

Edit: the dilemma you have is new car under warranty don't want to give the manufacturer any excuse down the line to reject a claim. So you go dealer route. Problem is, in my experience, main dealers can't find their backside with both hands when it comes to auto electrics.