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Patrick Nadeau, a Hyundai IONIQ 5 owner, completed an extraordinary 19,743-kilometer electric vehicle (EV) road trip from Hyundai Canada’s headquarters in Markham, Ontario, to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, reaching the Arctic Ocean. This journey demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance EV travel across Canada’s diverse and challenging landscapes, showcasing the IONIQ 5’s reliability and the growing accessibility of EV charging infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- Epic Distance Covered: The IONIQ 5 traveled 19,743 km roundtrip with an average energy consumption of 18.9 kWh/100 km.
- Charging Efficiency: The vehicle charged 87 times, averaging 42 minutes per session at a total cost of $1,403.13.
- Charitable Impact: Virtual reality (VR) content captured during the trip will support pediatric cancer patients through Hyundai Hope on Wheels.
- Vehicle Performance: The IONIQ 5 handled Canada’s rugged terrain and remote areas with a 504-kilometer range.
A Journey of Resilience and Innovation
Starting on April 24, Nadeau navigated through five provinces and two territories, proving that EVs can handle Canada’s vast distances and unpredictable conditions. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Preferred with Ultimate package, equipped with an 84-kWh battery, performed flawlessly despite challenges like limited northern charging stations and long stretches without power sources. Nadeau noted that planning charging stops was straightforward, ensuring efficient travel even in remote areas.
Overcoming Challenges
The trip wasn’t without obstacles. Nadeau faced delays due to a closed ferry in Dawson City and wildfires affecting the Alaska Highway. However, these challenges were unrelated to the EV’s performance. Carrying 400 pounds of gear, including filming equipment and a spare tire, the IONIQ 5 completed the journey without issues, demonstrating its durability and practicality.
Supporting Pediatric Cancer Patients
Beyond proving EV capabilities, Nadeau captured immersive VR experiences for Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a program providing free content to hospitals for pediatric cancer patients. These experiences allow young patients to virtually explore Canada’s landscapes, offering inspiration and joy.
Hyundai’s Commitment to Electrification
Hyundai Auto Canada’s president, Steve Flamand, emphasized the company’s dedication to an all-electric future. The IONIQ 5’s success in this journey underscores Hyundai’s leadership in electrification, reinforced by its ranking as the top brand for EV consideration in Canada per the latest J.D. Power report. The IONIQ 5, a multi-award-winning vehicle, has earned accolades like World Car of the Year and AJAC’s Utility Vehicle of the Year.
A Cost-Effective Adventure
The trip’s total charging cost of $1,403.13 was significantly lower than the estimated fuel cost for a gas-powered SUV, which would have exceeded $2,800 for a similar journey. This highlights the economic benefits of EV travel, alongside its environmental advantages.
Sharing the Journey
Nadeau documented his adventure through weekly recap videos on Hyundai Canada’s social media and a forthcoming long-form documentary on their YouTube channel. His journey, completed in a stock 2025 IONIQ 5 with a custom wrap for visibility, inspires confidence in EV technology and Canada’s charging network.
Bottom Line
Patrick Nadeau’s Arctic adventure showcases the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s exceptional performance and the viability of EVs for long-distance travel in Canada. By combining innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to social good, this journey sets a benchmark for the future of electric mobility.
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