Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets New EV World Record for Greatest Altitude Change

This year’s focus by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ on the “Blue Planet” and environmental achievements brought an electrifying challenge for Hyundai.

The South Korean car manufacturer decided to break new ground by setting a world record for the greatest altitude change ever accomplished by an electric vehicle (EV).

In a monumental journey that spanned over 3,000 miles across the Indian subcontinent, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV not only faced but thrived in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable.

Starting high in the Himalayas at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, the peak point drivable by road in India at 19,025 feet, the Ioniq 5 journeyed down to Kuttanad in Kerala, which lies 9.8 feet below sea level.

This record-setting descent of 19,035 feet surpassed last year’s altitude change record held by China’s Changan Nevo A07 EV, which changed by 18,766 feet across nearly 1,500 miles through Tibet.

Throughout the two-week expedition, the Ioniq 5 navigated through freezing colds and rugged mountainous terrains, before moving through the humid, coastal regions of India.

The varied landscape tested the Hyundai EV’s endurance and performance under diverse weather conditions.

Unsoo Kim, the managing director of Hyundai Motor India, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, ‘The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability.’

This event highlighted Hyundai’s dedication to innovation and technological advancements in sustainability.

You can check the video of the journey here.

Adding to the excitement, the new 2025 model of the Ioniq 5, which is already being delivered in the U.S., comes equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

This allows for rapid charging capabilities using a Tesla SuperCharger—getting the battery from 10% to 80% charged in just 24 minutes. This feature promises over 300 miles of driving range, courtesy of its 72.6 kWh battery.

As we watch this record-breaking EV roll out on U.S. roads, it’s clear Hyundai is driving not just on highways but into history books with its innovative approach to electric vehicle technology.