A few years ago, in 2017 to be more precise, the Korean firm Hyundai launched a first all-electric car, the Ioniq. In fact, it was launching a trio of electrified models, as the Ioniq could be served in a hybrid version, in a plug-in hybrid configuration, and then in all-electric readiness.
The firm did it again the following year with the introduction of the electric Kona, which debuted in 2019. At the sister firm, Kia, two models that only run on batteries are on the menu, namely the Soul and Niro SUVs. In short, we do not mess with the electric thing at Hyundai. And so that we understand, the company added this week with the announcement of the launch of a new brand of vehicles, the Ioniq banner. The latter, you can guess, will focus solely on electrical products.
To launch it all, three models are already announced. These will emerge over the next four years. So be prepared to see the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Ioniq 7 appear on the roads. If the company has decided to go ahead with this new entity, it is because it is seeing very strong growth in market demand for electric cars. As for the units advertised, there are two SUVs (odd-numbered models), as well as a car (even number). If you follow the automotive news, you will recognize the origins of two of them.
At first, we will be entitled to the Ioniq 5 model. This mid-size SUV will be presented as an evolution of the Hyundai 45 concept which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2019. This product will adopt a futuristic style, but will also carry lines which will recall the origins of the company. In fact, in 1974, Hyundai presented the Pony concept from which the lines of the Hyundai 45 study were inspired. It will be interesting to see the final product.
Then we will be entitled to Ioniq 6. In its case, we are talking about a car inspired by the Prophecy concept which was presented virtually this year as part of the activities that should normally have taken place at the Salon. of the Geneva motorway. It will be remembered that this event was the first of importance to be canceled due to the coronavirus. The lines of this model are absolutely spectacular.
Finally, for Ioniq 7, it will be a new vehicle and according to what we discern, it will be rather massive. In his case, his debut is expected in the year 2024. What is interesting is that all these creations will be assembled from a new platform designed by the company, the E-GMP. The latter will be highly modular and will only be reserved for electric models. Hyundai described the latter as follows:
“The platform will allow us to redesign the interior of the vehicle as a 'smart living space' with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity, and unique features such as a glove box designed as a drawer. The paradigm shift of the platform will extend to user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive, and ergonomic to help occupants feel at ease ”.
At the time of this writing, of course, no technical information is available about any of these models. We suspect that high technology will be in the spotlight and that autonomous driving functions will be in the game. Moreover, when the Prophecy concept was presented, it was remarkable to note that it did not have a steering wheel. The future is clearly upon us and at Hyundai, it will be represented by the new Ioniq brand.
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