Like peer pressure, although this has got more to do with regulations than wanting to fit in, Hyundai has taken its EV endeavours to the next level. The Korean carmaker has sprouted a new sub-brand named after its excellent hybrid hatchback, Ioniq. The name is the umbrella for Hyundai’s battery electric vehicles (BEV), starting with the all-new Ioniq 5.
Labelled as a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Ioniq 5 will be the first production vehicle based on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a variation of the one found on the Hyundai Prophecy Concept. The platform is an innovative system exclusively made to power the Korean manufacturer’s next-generation BEV. The unique design of the Ioniq 5 is oh so futuristic that only an EV can pull it off, showcasing the future design language for the brand.
The stand out design feature of the Ioniq 5 would undoubtedly be the ‘Parametric Pixel’, a unique jewel-like design found in the lighting system that gives a distinctive 3-D effect. The lights are among the smallest individual digital lighting units, giving the Ioniq 5 a beautifully futuristic front fascia. The clean lines of the Ioniq 5 are further enhanced by the single-piece clamshell hood, first for any Hyundai vehicle.
Shown here with an eco-friendly Colour Material Finish (CMF), the ‘Parametric Pixel’ design theme is continued, seen on the oversized, aero-optimised 20-inch wheels, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV. These complete Ioniq 5’s modern-minimalist proportions, optimised for Hyundai’s new dedicated EV architecture.
Hyundai has released four teaser trailers, showcasing its battery technology advancements found in the Ioniq 5. One of the videos dubbed the ‘5 Min Challenge’ features the ultra-fast charging capability of the E-GMP platform, giving up to 100km of range with just five minutes of charging. While this is most likely a prototype feature, it shows the platform’s future potential and how it can change electric mobility for the masses.
EVs aren’t the most versatile vehicles, but that hasn’t stopped Hyundai from taking the Ioniq 5 camping for a series of ‘Ultimate Camping’ teaser videos. While taking an electric-dependant vehicle out into the wilderness isn’t the brightest of ideas, Hyundai pulled this marketing stunt to highlight the Ioniq 5’s Vehicle to Load (V2L) technology that functions as a general power supply (110/220V). In these comical videos, a camper can be seen using the Ioniq 5’s V2L power supply to roast a turkey, exercise on a treadmill and power a banging surround sound system….all in the middle of a campsite.
SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center says “Ioniq 5 presents an all-new customer experience through innovative EV design that is evocative of the icon that established Hyundai’s design DNA.”
“Beginning with Ioniq 5, our dedicated BEV lineup brand will redefine the relationship between people and their cars, establishing a new standard against which all BEV design experiences will be measured,” he adds.
Expected to debut in a virtual event sometime in February, the Ioniq 5 represents the next big step for the Hyundai brand to become a significant player in the EV scene.