Do Hyundai Electric Vehicles have an Alternator?

Alternators are an essential part of all gas-powered vehicles. The alternator keeps the battery charged in these vehicles, allowing you to start your vehicle or turn on the headlights. This leads to the question — do electric vehicles (EVs) also use an alternator? And if so, wouldn’t that allow them to run continuously? Below, we’ll answer this question and highlight some of the EVs from Hyundai. Don’t hesitate to come by our dealership in Fort Worth if you have any other questions. View our inventory of new vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000. 

Do Hyundai EVs Have Alternators?

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The simple answer is no, Hyundai EVs, and EVs in general, don’t have an alternator. There are two primary reasons. The first is that EVs don’t generate electricity for an alternator. In gas cars, alternators receive their power from a running engine and the burning of gas. Without these components in an EV, there’s no power source for the alternator.

At the same time, it wouldn’t be practical to use the EV’s rechargeable battery to power the alternator, as it would use more electricity than it generates. You would therefore lose electricity in the process and drain the battery faster. It’s for these two reasons that you won’t find an alternator in an EV.

What Do EVs Use Instead of Alternators?

If EVs don’t have an alternator, what do they use in its place? In EVs, you’ll find a DC/DC converter, which is more efficient than an alternator, along with a high-voltage traction battery. This DC/DC converter takes the high voltage from the battery and converts it into 12 volts. Once converted, it can power your vehicle’s various accessories, such as starting the car itself or powering the dashboard. Then, as the battery drains over time, you can recharge it through a charging station. This is a more efficient process and also puts less strain on the battery.

Available Hyundai EVs

If you’re interested in getting an EV, Hyundai has some great options available. These options include:

2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This means the vehicle runs partly on gas and partly on electricity. If you opt to get the plug-in hybrid powertrain, you’ll also get all-wheel drive along with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 261 horsepower. With the onboard 13.8 kWh battery, you’ll be able to drive about 33 miles using just electricity and can recharge the battery in about two hours.

Some of the other benefits of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid include:

• Push-button shifter.
• Touch-sensitive control panel.
• Expandable cargo area.
• An 8.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
• Automated emergency braking.
• Lane departure warning with lane-keep assist.

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

This crossover SUV from Hyundai is an all-electric option that feels like a gas-powered one. Inside the 2023 Hyundai Kona, you’ll find a 201-horsepower electric motor that pairs with a 64.0 kWh battery pack, along with front-wheel drive. This setup delivers fast acceleration, strong top speeds, and smooth handling on tight turns. With this EV, you’ll have a range of 258 miles on a single charge. The 2023 Kona can also be charged using a 110-volt home outlet, a 240-volt outlet, or at a DC fast-charging station.

Other features of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric include:

• Ample cargo space.
• Standard 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.
• Six-speaker audio system.
• Automated emergency braking.
• 10.3-inch digital gauge display.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5

When properly equipped, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the farthest-driving EVs available today for under $60K. This SUV has an all-electric powertrain with several different configurations to choose from. You can choose between several different batteries, along with either rear-drive or all-wheel drive. Which options you select will impact your driving range and horsepower, with the Ioniq 5 delivering between 168 and 320 horsepower, depending on your setup. With the larger battery pack and the single motor, you can expect to get a range of around 303 miles.

Other features you’ll find in the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 include:

• Head-up display with augmented reality.
• Extensive cargo and passenger space.
• A 12-inch touch screen and 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
• Advanced voice recognition.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.
• Highway Driver Assist 2 — a semi-autonomous driving mode.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

Finally, there’s the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. This is one of the larger SUV options available from Hyundai, meaning more passenger space and a larger cargo area. Several powertrains are available, one of which is a plug-in hybrid setup that delivers 260 horsepower. With this setup, expect to get a combined 76 MPGe, making it very fuel-efficient. You’ll also be able to travel roughly 31 miles on electricity alone. If you’re looking for a more spacious SUV that uses gas and electric power, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid may be for you.

Some of the other benefits of the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid include:

• Head-up display and digital gauge cluster.
• Heated rear seats.
• Ventilated front seats.
• An 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.
• Optional 12-speaker premium audio system.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Forward collision warning.
• Automated emergency braking.

Learn More at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth

EVs have a lot to offer, whether you decide to get a plug-in hybrid model or an all-electric version. If you’re looking for an electric SUV, Hyundai has some great options for you to consider. The team here at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth would love to show you these options in person, take you out for a test drive, and answer any questions you may have.

To get started, you can easily browse through our current inventory of new SUVs online. We also recommend checking out our latest specials, as we regularly offer new discounts on the latest Hyundai models. You can also save yourself some time at the dealership by valuing your trade-in and applying for financing online. Once you’re ready, contact us to schedule a visit to our dealership. We look forward to hearing from you and showing you everything the EVs from Hyundai have to offer.