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    2024 Hyundai Inster EV Small Electric SUV Debuts – 355 Kms Range, ADAS, Sunroof

    2024 Hyundai Inster EVHyundai has finally revealed their new small electric SUV which will take on the likes of Punch EVAt the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show today, Hyundai Motor Company revealed their all-electric Inster. This A-segment sub-compact EV is set to revolutionize urban driving with its unique design, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology.2024 Hyundai Inster EV – Design and VersatilityNew Hyundai Inster is based on the Casper small SUV. It boasts a bold, futuristic design that combines a robust exterior with a spacious interior. Its compact size makes it perfect for city driving, while the extended body and wheelbase offer more interior space and a rugged road presence. The vehicle’s standout features include strong fenders, a high-tech circuit board-style bumper, and a bold skid plate.2024 Hyundai Inster EVInster’s LED daytime running light signature, pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp, and bumpers add to its distinctive look. Customers can further personalize the car with LED projection headlamps and a two-tone exterior with a contrasting black roof. Wheel options range from 15-inch steel with wheel covers to 17-inch alloy wheels.Interior FeaturesInside, the Inster provides enhanced technology and convenience with a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and a wireless charging dock. The pixel theme is repeated inside, with graphics on the Inster’s steering wheel boss reinforcing the car’s high-tech image. The interior design also features customizable upper door trim garnishes for owners to further personalize their vehicle.2024 Hyundai Inster EVThe vehicle offers versatile seating, with the front row providing walk-through access. All seats can be folded flat, including the driver’s seat, for increased flexibility. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also available. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and can slide and recline. It also gets a single pane sunroof.2024 Hyundai Inster EV2024 Hyundai Inster EV – Battery Specs, RangeHyundai claims Inster excels in its EV capabilities with fast charging and a segment-leading range. It offers two battery options: a 42 kWh standard battery and a 49 kWh long-range battery. The latter provides an impressive range of up to 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge. With a DC high-power charging station, the Inster can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes under optimal conditions.2024 Hyundai Inster EVThe vehicle is equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger as standard, and a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available. External and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality provides power for external devices (110V/220V), allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters, and camping equipment.2024 Hyundai Inster EVAdvanced Technology and SafetyHyundai Inster offers a wealth of cutting-edge technology, including a multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features. It includes comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features such as a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5).2024 Hyundai Inster EVOther safety features include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safety Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). The ADAS Parking System combines Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear with a Rear-View Monitor (RVM) for greater visibility.2024 Hyundai Inster EVSustainable and StylishSustainability is a key focus for the Inster, with the use of recycled materials in both its exterior and interior. The Inster’s exterior features black high-gloss recycled paint, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint with a coloring made from recycled waste tires. Inside, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used. The vehicle offers a range of vibrant exterior colors, including Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte, and Buttercream Yellow Pearl, with some available in two-tone combinations.2024 Hyundai Inster EVGlobal Rollout and Future PlansHyundai plans to launch the Inster first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Most equipment and technologies will come fitted as standard, with enhanced convenience and design features available optionally. Specifications will be confirmed closer to launch. An additional variant, the Inster CROSS, will join the lineup in the future, featuring a rugged, outdoor-focused design.2024 Hyundai Inster EVIndia launch of the Hyundai Inster EV is not on the cards. But we will get Inster based Exter EV, which will take on the Tata Punch EV. Launch of Hyundai Exter EV is expected sometime in 2025. More

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    New Hyundai Inster EV Teased With 355km Range – Punch EV Rival?

    Hyundai Inster EV TeasedHyundai Inster EV is not confirmed for India, but similar powertrain might make its way to upcoming Exter EV and rival Punch EVElectric cars are currently gaining popularity in India and is among the priorities for most car manufacturers. Hyundai seems to be diving in at the idea with Creta EV, speculated to be launched in early 2025. What about the A-segment where faster adoption of E-mobility makes more sense? Recently teased Hyundai Inster gives us an idea.Hyundai Inster EV Teased – Design and AppealEver wondered what an electric version of Hyundai Casper would look like? Hyundai just gave us the answer in the form of Inster EV. If you’re wondering if Exter means outdoorsy adventure lifestyle and Inster means something to be driven inside the city, that would be wrong. In fact, Inster name has nothing to do with Exter at all.Hyundai Inster EV NameAccording to Hyundai, Inster name is inspired by the words “intimate” and “innovative”, combined with Casper name, the vehicle on which it is based. As of now, Casper is Korea only and Hyundai is tight-lipped about the intended markets for the recently teased Inster EV.Hyundai Inster EV Casper’s SilhouetteCasper was first introduced in 2021 and the upcoming Inster will carry a similar silhouette as seen in Hyundai’s teaser image. Inster will get a unique fascia, but is reminiscent of Casper. We can see a similar bonnet, windscreen and overall side silhouette. Charging port is at the front, but not centred, like in Punch EV.Hyundai Inster EV Vs CasperInster boasts new pixel-style quad-element circular LED DRLs and pixel-style 7-element LED turn indicators too. Tail lights get a pixel effect as well. Alloy wheels of Hyundai Inster look unique, though. Just like Casper, Inster will come equipped with crossover bits like roof rails, body cladding and reasonably high ground clearance.According to Hyundai, INSTER is poised to set new standards in driving range and technology, and safety features. Speaking of range, company has revealed that Inster will do 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge. Battery and motor specs were not disclosed.Hyundai Inster EV FasciaShould Hyundai launch it in India?India has been embracing e-mobility solutions at a decent pace. More companies have been exploring EVs today, than they ever did, in India. Hyundai is one of the companies selling electric cars in India. Soon, the company will explore electric mobility solutions in the mainstream segment.Currently, Hyundai Kona price starts from Rs. 23.84 lakh (Ex-sh) and Creta EV, when launched, is likely to start upwards of Rs. 16 lakh (Ex-sh). Lion’s share of India’s electric car sales is from smaller electric vehicles like Punch EV, Tiago EV and MG’s Comet EV. So, targeting this space is paramount for any OEMs to push more volumes.Hyundai Inster EV Charging PortEven though the South Korean brand has not confirmed Inster for India (yet), it makes perfect sense. Inster’s crossover design looks miles better than Exter launched in India and it would naturally target Punch EV, which is currently the hottest EV in mainstream segment. Or, the powertrain from this Inster EV will be similar to what we will get in Exter EV in the future. Or Kia Clavis EV or Syros EV.Hyundai Inster EV LED DRLs More

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    2 Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules Spied In Delhi Wearing New Camo

    Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedExcluding the electric underpinnings, Creta EV will have largely the same profile and features as the ICE CretaIn the compact SUV segment, users will soon be able to choose from multiple new electric options. One of these will be Hyundai Creta EV, expected to be launched in early 2025. Other upcoming options include Tata Curvv (ICE + EV), Mahindra BE.05, Maruti eVX and Toyota’s version of eVX.Hyundai Creta EV Spied In Delhi – Latest Spy ShotsTest mules of Creta EV have been spotted multiple times in recent months. Latest spy shots of the Creta EV are from Delhi, credited to automotive enthusiast Sitanshu. These test mules are wearing a different camo than earlier spotted Creta EV test mules and probably are in near production-ready stage.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedWhile heavily camouflaged, the core silhouette and lighting elements appear to be the same as ICE Creta. Hyundai has essentially chosen an ICE to EV conversion approach for its first mainstream electric car in the Indian market. Choosing Creta makes sense, as the SUV is already a bestseller. It is popular for its sporty profile and powerful performance.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedMoreover, ICE Creta was recently introduced in its facelift avatar. It has received a comprehensive range of updates, all of which will be available with the upcoming Creta EV. By sharing the same platform and features, Creta EV could be launched at a competitive price point. An intense battle is expected in the electric compact SUV segment. With competitive pricing and Creta’s strong brand value, Creta EV will be aiming to gain an edge over rivals.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedAs seen with test mules, Creta EV will have the charging port installed at the front. Other key features include sequential turn indicators, horizontally stacked LED positioning lamps and DRLs and a chiselled bonnet design. Side profile will be distinguishable with a new set of aero alloy wheels. While reducing the SUV’s air drag coefficient and helping improve range, the aero alloy wheels also have cosmetic relevance. At the rear, Creta EV will be getting connected LED tail lamps, a curvy spoiler, sequential turn signals and a high-mounted LED stop lamp.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedCreta EV interiorsSome of the features on the inside can be borrowed from other Hyundai electric cars. For example, Creta EV could be equipped with the 4-dot steering wheel, as seen with Ioniq 5. Other features will be borrowed from ICE Creta. It will include a dual screen setup, voice enabled panoramic sunroof and front ventilated seats. There will be a Bose premium sound system and dual-zone climate control. ADAS is also confirmed, as a test mule spotted recently was seen with a bumper-mounted radar module.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedCreta EV range, specsWhile there is no official confirmation, it is expected that Creta EV will have a certified range of around 450 km. To increase range, Creta EV will be equipped with an advanced regen system. A 45-kWh battery pack is expected to supply power to a single motor mounted on the front axle. If the electric motor is borrowed from new-gen Kona, output will be 138 hp and 255 Nm.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules SpiedHyundai has plans to introduce at least five new EVs by 2030 in India. The first one (likely Creta EV) will be manufactured at Hyundai’s facility in Chennai. The battery packs could be sourced locally from Exide. Hyundai and Kia had recently partnered with Exide for local production of EV batteries.Hyundai Creta EV Test Mules Spied More

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    Hyundai Creta EV Spied Next To Tata Nexon EV Ahead Of Launch

    Hyundai Creta EV SpiedWhile it will have largely the same profile as the current ICE model, Creta EV will be getting an extended equipment listFor the mainstream market, Hyundai is readying the Creta EV. The ICE to EV approach is similar to that of other cars such as Nexon EV and Tiago EV. Hyundai Creta EV is expected to be launched in 2025. It will take on rivals such as Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE.05, Maruti eVX and Toyota’s version of eVX.2024 Hyundai Creta EV – DesignAs seen in The Fat Biker’s video, much of the skin is similar to the new ICE Creta facelift. There will be a few EV-specific changes such as a closed-off grille and revised bumper. What we can see in Creta EV’s fascia, is a front charging port. Lighting elements on Creta EV have horizontally stacked LED positioning lamps and DRLs, sequential turn indicators and a sculpted bonnet.Hyundai Creta EV SpiedTalking about the side profile, Creta EV will be getting a fresh set of aero alloy wheels. These have aerodynamic elements that also work to reduce the SUV’s air drag coefficient for maximum range. Rear profile has connected LED tail lamps, sequential turn signals and a curvy spoiler with a high-mounted LED stop lamp.Inside, most of the features will be borrowed from ICE Creta. To achieve differentiation, Creta electric model gets a slightly unique steering wheel with 4 dots like on Hyundai Ioniq 5.Hyundai Creta EV SpiedExpect features such as voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof, dual-integrated screens for the infotainment and instrument and front ventilated seats. Creta EV will get dual-zone automatic climate control and Bose premium sound system. Safety kit will include a comprehensive range of ADAS features, as confirmed by bumper-mounted radar in this spy video.[embedded content]Creta EV – Performance, specsJust like the ICE Creta which is popular for its exhilarating performance, the EV version will aim at delivering a similar experience. Creta EV is expected to get a 45-kWh battery pack. It could deliver a range of around 450 km. In real-world scenarios, the range could be around 250 to 300 km. Creta EV will have an advanced regen system, which will help increase range.Hyundai Creta EV SpiedAs seen in the video, the battery pack hangs down quite a bit as it is a derived EV and not a born EV. Hyundai and Kia have signed an MoU with leading battery manufacturer, Exide. There could be plans to locally manufacture battery packs for upcoming EVs from Hyundai and Kia. Creta EV will support fast charging and owners can benefit from shorter halts at charging stations.Hyundai Creta EV SpiedCreta EV will be offered in FWD format, equipped with a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. The electric motor could be borrowed from the new-gen Kona. This motor churns out 138 hp and 255 Nm. Several other details about Creta EV are yet to be revealed. For example, the SUV’s top speed, acceleration, charging time, etc. More secrets will be uncovered in the coming months. More

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    Hyundai Electric SUV (Creta EV?) Production Starts End 2024 – Group Plant Capacity To Increase To 15 Lakh

    Hyundai Creta N LineHyundai’s first local EV will be Creta EV, already spotted testing, and production will commence by the end of 2024 at their Chennai plantAhead of its 30th anniversary in 2026, Hyundai Motor India is already coining its 2030 strategy. The slogan for 2030 strategy is ‘Innovator in Mobility and Beyond’. Hyundai’s subsidiary, Kia India, has also overhauled its operations to promote quantitative and qualitative growth through company’s ‘Kia 2.0’ strategy.Hyundai Kia India Plants Capacity To Touch 15 LakhIn that regard, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited India to review the company’s mid-to-long-term mobility strategies for the future. This is the first time the Executive Chair has held an overseas town hall meeting outside of South Korea. Also present in the meeting were key executives from Hyundai Motor including Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India.Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Visits IndiaThe meeting concluded a manufacturing advance in the rapidly growing Indian automotive market. The aim is to establish an annual production capacity of around 1.5 million vehicles combining both Hyundai and Kia brands in India. A key facilitator of this plan will be expansion of EV lineup and create an EV ecosystem to accelerate customer uptake.The commencement of production at Hyundai’s recently acquired Pune plant (from GM) last year will play a major role in achieving their goals. Company is currently making improvements towards Pune plant and establishing a production hub capable of 2 lakh units annually. Production is estimated to start in second half of 2025.Hyundai India Plant, Chennai. Image for reference.Combining Pune plant’s 2 lakh capacity with Chennai plant’s current production capacity of 8.24 lakh units, Hyundai Motor is looking at an annual production capacity of over 10 lakh (1 million) units. Kia India’s annual production capacity is set to be expanded to 4.31 lakh units by the first half of 2024. Combining Kia’s numbers, Hyundai Motor Group is looking at an annual production capacity of 15 lakh per annum (1.5 million).Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai Kia local-made EV onslaughtElectric vehicles will play a crucial role in the company’s growth ambitions. Hyundai aims to launch its first locally produced EV in Indian market in 2025. This is likely to be Creta EV which is already spotted testing on multiple occasions. Mass production of its first local electric SUV (Creta EV) will commence by the end of 2024 at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.The company aims to expand EV portfolio to incorporate five new EVs by 2030. The holistic approach by Hyundai Motor India towards EVs will result in expanding EV charging infrastructure by 2030. Not just Hyundai, Kia is keen to make a splash in Indian EV space with their first local EV slated to hit production in 2025 with more to break covers in the future.Kia Clavis SpiedRecently, Hyundai and Kia signed an MoU with Exide, a leading Indian battery company, in a bid to pursue local manufacturing of batteries that will power dedicated EVs for India.Statement from Hyundai Motor IndiaDuring the meeting, Executive Chair Chung said “Hyundai Motor India has been pivotal in driving the growth of the Hyundai Motor Group, having navigated through numerous challenges including the COVID19 pandemic, global economic crises, and supply chain disruptions due to semiconductor shortages. We take pride in consistently securing the second-largest market share in this vibrant market and will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.“India is among the fastest-growing economies globally, and as this growth continues the strategic importance of Hyundai Motor India will only increase. By leveraging our strong reputation and competitive quality in India, we aim to expand exports to neighbouring countries, making India the global export hub to boost our regional market competitiveness.”Speaking about the company’s electrification strategy, Executive Chair Chung said, “We will develop EVs tailored to the Indian market and expand EV infrastructure in the region. We will lead the next generation of mobility in India, playing a key role in electrification, and we will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.” More

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    Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth Day With Green Credentials

    Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayOn sale in India, Hyundai Ioniq 5 rivals Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW iX1 and the recently launched BYD SealOne of the world’s leading electric car manufacturers, Hyundai Motor, is celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd, today. The company has been at the forefront of electric vehicle revolution with multiple offerings across the world. In India, Ioniq 5 is the most celebrated electric vehicle from Hyundai and on this occasion, Hyundai demonstrates its allegiance to eco-friendly practices.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayIoniq 5 is among the most popular premium electric vehicles sold in India. Owing to its CKD route striking lower taxes, Ioniq 5 comes with a lower price tag. Something we can’t say about other EVs. Most of the media coverage for Ioniq 5 concentrates on design, retro looks, cool party tricks, range and performance.However, very few people are aware of the many eco-conscious practices that Hyundai has essayed with Ioniq 5 that went unnoticed among the long list of its brilliant attributes. On Earth Day, let’s recall the eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colours that Hyundai is offering with Ioniq 5 EV sold in India.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Eco Processed LeatherEco-processed LeatherLeather processing industry uses oils derived from animal products in dyeing processes.  Extensive growth in leather industry results in increased demand for animal products raising ethical questions and having deep implications for the environment too. Hence, Hyundai is using dyes plant-derived flax seed oil with Ioniq 5’s interior.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Flowers Turned To PaintFlowers Turned To PaintInstead of using chemicals, Hyundai Ioniq 5’s crash pad and door trims are finished with eco paint. These bio paints are extracted from pigments naturally found in flowers. The process of bio paint extraction mostly uses non-hazardous procedures too. For Ioniq 5’s interior, Hyundai uses pigments from rape flowers and corn.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – PaperettePaperetteSome of the touchpoints on Ioniq 5’s doors are crafted from a unique paperette material. This material is 100% recyclable paperette, sticking to an eco-friendly theme. Made from HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene), this paperette material has almost the same texture and lightness as traditional paper.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Recycled BottlesRecycled Bottles Turned To FabricOne of the most common types of non-recyclable pollutants that are currently plaguing the earth is one-time-use plastic bottles. Hyundai is taking some of these bottles and recycling them into fabrics that go on Ioniq 5’s seatbacks and armrests. Around 32 bottles are recycled per Ioniq 5.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Plant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetPlant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetOnce a crop is harvested, agricultural biowaste is often burnt in many parts of the world, rather than recycled. Hyundai is demonstrating the possibilities of recyclable biowaste with Ioniq 5. Car’s headliner and carpet fabrics include bio components extracted from biowastes of sugarcane and corn crops.Company’s advances to RE100The company recently revealed its holistic approach towards eco-friendly practices at their manufacturing facility and affirmed its commitment to RE100 (100% Renewable Energy). This way, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) aligned its interests with eco-friendly and sustainable practices.HMIL has pledged to go carbon neutral shortly and has been working towards it. The company is achieving it through a holistic approach including smart energy management, reducing carbon emissions, water management, harmful substance management and expanding EV lineup. More

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    Hyundai Creta Electric Spied Inside Out – New Interior Features Leak

    Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedMost of the visual aspects of Creta EV across exteriors and interiors appear to be the same as the ICE-based modelIn the electric segment, Hyundai currently offers the Kona EV and Ioniq 5. For the mass market, Hyundai is readying the Creta EV. It will be the most affordable Hyundai electric car in India at the time of launch. Creta Electric will take on rivals such as MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti eVX and Tata Curvv EV.Creta Electric interiors revealedMuch of the interior spaces, centre console, dashboard and other plastic parts appear to be the same as that of ICE Creta. However, one can see an entirely new steering wheel that is a lot more elegant in comparison to the unit in use with ICE Creta. The new steering wheel onboard Creta EV does not have the ‘H’ logo’. The central area is more rounded and has a circular chrome trim, along with a horizontal chrome strip in the centre.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai EVs like Ioniq 5 don’t have any brand badging on the steering wheel. A similar approach could be used for Creta Electric. Another thing revealed is the drive selector located behind the steering wheel on the right side.This again is something similar to Ioniq 5. Steering mounted controls can be seen as well. Other key features include the seamlessly integrated infotainment and instrument cluster screen. It’s the same unit as used with ICE Creta. Interior spy shots are credited to Pilot on Wheels.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedCreta EV – Equipment listMost of the features for Creta Electric will be borrowed from ICE Creta. Some of the key highlights include dual-tone interiors, leather pack for top trims and power adjustable driver seat.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedCreta EV will have ventilated seats, wireless charger, cruise control, rear AC vents, USB charger and glove box cooling. Other highlights include premium sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice commands and OTA updates. A range of connectivity features will be available via Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology.Safety kit will also be similar to ICE Creta. Some key features include ADAS, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and camera, front parking sensors and burglar alarm.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedWhat is the range of Creta Electric?Details about Creta EV’s powertrain are not available at this point of time. However, as per industry standards, Creta EV could deliver a range of more than 400 km. It is expected to get multi-level regenerative braking, as seen with other Hyundai electric cars. Features like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) are also likely. Both AC and DC fast charging options will be available with Creta EV.To get the early bird advantage, Hyundai will be looking to introduce Creta EV in the shortest possible time. The electric SUV could be launched later this year or sometime next year. Creta Electric could be offered at a starting price of around Rs 20 lakh.Source More

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    Hyundai IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Clears US Driver’s License Test

    Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi Driving LicenseHyundai Motor Co.’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi passes a US driver’s license test in Las Vegas, marking the first time for a Level 4 autonomous vehicleA video released online shows off the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi completing a process akin to that of an actual US driver’s license test. This new robotaxi, based on the all-electric IONIQ 5 crossover showed off its self-driving skills to achieve consistent driving performance under a host of driving conditions to exude uncompromised safety.Boasting autonomous driving technology, the Ioniq 5 robotaxi was put through a host of tests among which were public-level driving test and road driving in Las Vegas and emerged to prove its safety on both counts.Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxiIONIQ 5 robotaxi’s Reliability Put to TestThe video starts with a sad tale of Pearl Outlaw, a visually impaired American lady and her mother Ruth, talking about the disability called Retinitis Pigmentosa. This degenerative disorder limited Pearl’s freedom of mobility. However, with this new and certified robotaxi, having passed the driving test is a positive step in this direction. It will be a game changer for such persons who will no longer have to rely on others for their mobility.The accompanying video also demonstrates how the Ioniq 5 robotaxi was put to the test by Kandice Jones, a DMV-certified driving examiner with 25 years of experience who has failed thousands of students in the past. She states that “Out of the 31,500 people I’ve supervised over the past 25 years, only about 16% have passed”.[embedded content]Sitting in the front passenger seat, Jones tested the robotaxi under the same criteria as a human. It was monitored for speed, lane change, manoeuvres, left turns and lane maintenance besides complete stop and quick reaction time as the autonomous robotaxi took on the Las Vegas Strip and city suburbs. It passed each of these tests with flying colours.Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi – An SAE Level 4 Autonomous VehicleHyundai’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi is based on an Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. It emerges as a collaboration between Hyundai Motors and Motional, an autonomous driving technology developer. It is fitted with over 30 sensors, cameras, radars and lidar to offer a 360-degree perception besides high-resolution images and long-range detection of objects to demonstrate consistent and safe driving performance. A safety suite, displayed across the vehicle’s exterior sets it apart from human-piloted vehiclesHyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi ObstaclesThe successful completion of this stringent driving test marks the first time that a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, classified by SAE International, has been awarded the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) certification. This Level 4 means that the vehicle can drive itself under limited conditions without the requirement of a safety operator in the front seat. However, this is unlike Level 5 which allows for fully automated driving. It also highlights Pearl’s story of everyday mobility constraints faced by the physically impaired, with autonomous driving technology coming to the rescue in providing such persons a sense of independence.Earlier last month, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift made its debut in India with an increased range. It is slated to come into India via CKD route by the end of 2024 or early 2025. More