Evolve+

About Evolve+

Evolve+ is a Hyundai-powered subscription service for electric vehicles. The service, starting at $699 for the Kona Electric and $899 for the Ioniq 5, covers registration, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and 1,000 miles of driving per 28-day period. The electric-only subscription was announced at the Chicago Auto Show in 2023, and the roster of cities with participating dealerships is expected to expand through the year.

How it works

As Evolve+ is available through Hyundai dealerships, you can contact the location of your choice to start the subscription process, including providing identity and financial documents, and arranging to pay the activation fee. There will be slight differences in the process from dealership to dealership, but the general mechanics are similar to any subscription – sign up, go through the ID check, provide your bank details, arrange dates, then collect the vehicle. As registration, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance are all included, all you have to do is charge the vehicle as and when you need to.

Cost and fees

The Kona Electric is available from $699 per month, and the Ioniq 5 from $899 per month. The recommended activation fee is $300, but you will only have to pay this once if you extend your initial contract beyond 3 months. This fee can also vary by dealership.

The allowed mileage is 1,000 per month, and if you exceed this, you will be charged $20 per 100 miles for the first 500 miles, then $1 per mile thereafter.

Brands and models

• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Hyundai Ioniq 5

Notice periods

The Evolve+ contract runs on a 28-day basis, with extensions possible. If you wish to subscribe for longer up-front, contact your nearest participating dealership to see if they can accommodate this.

What’s special about Evolve+?

As Evolve+ works through dealerships, there is already quite wide coverage, with a pre-existing network for expansion. This should mean that the Evolve+ subscription is available across the States relatively soon. But the main feature of Evolve+ is clearly that it is an electric-only subscription. While these do exist already, the option to purchase the vehicle at any time means that customers can effectively use the service as an electric car trial if they wish.

FAQs

What subscription lengths do Evolve+ offer?
The subscription contract is on a 28-day basis. You can continue to renew and extend your contract as you wish.

Does an Evolve+ subscription include insurance?
Yes, an Evolve+ subscription includes insurance, registration, maintenance, roadside assistance, access to the vehicle and up to 1,000 miles of driving.

What mileage am I allowed?
You can drive 1,000 miles per month. For excess mileage, you’ll be charged $20 per 100 miles up to 1,500 miles, after which you’ll pay $1 per mile.

Can I subscribe to a non-electric vehicle?
No, the Evolve+ subscription offering is solely for electric vehicles. You can either choose the Hyundai Kona Electric or the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Where is Evolve+ based?
Currently, the service is available at Hyundai dealerships in Boulder, Colorado; Westminster, Colorado; Hillsboro, Oregon; Florence, South Carolina; Clarksville, Maryland; Marlton, New Jersey; and Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Conclusion

As with most subscriptions, the Evolve+ plan, currently available at dealerships in six states, is more cost-effective than renting a car for extended periods. It is a suitable option for those in need of temporary transportation or interested in trying out an electric vehicle before committing to a purchase or lease. The subscription offers more mileage allowance compared to a typical lease and doesn’t require a down payment or a long-term commitment, but the option to purchase the vehicle will encourage more dealerships to take part, and possibly more customers to use Evolve+ before buying an EV.