Motional and Hyundai Motor Group are set to unveil the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi. The all-electric robotaxi is Motional’s first commercial vehicle and will be used in its fully driverless public ride-hail service starting in 2023, said the company in a Press Release.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai recently had launched IONIQ, a brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles. Under the brand, the automaker is offering customer centric electric vehicles with connected lifestyle solutions. The models combine Hyundai’s current EV capabilities – such as ultra-fast charging and battery-supplied power – with future innovations like technologies and services to integrate in-car and out-of-car experiences.
IONIQ 5 is the first model which is a midsize CUV based on an Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that promises fast charging capability and long driving range. The EV-dedicated platform aims to enable features like wireless connectivity, customized functions, efficient space structures and user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help occupants feel at ease.
IONIQ 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle that can safely operate without a driver, the companies claim. It’s a zero tailpipe-emissions robotaxi and represents the convergence of the two most transformative technologies in mobility: electrification and autonomy.
Motional
Motional is an American autonomous vehicle company founded in March 2020 as a joint venture between automaker Hyundai Motor Group and auto supplier Aptiv. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is also Motional’s first commercial vehicle. The company will begin transporting public passengers in the IONIQ 5 robotaxi in 2023 through a landmark partnership with Lyft.
Partnership between Motional and Hyundai Motor Group
The two companies have worked hand-in-hand throughout the development, with each providing critical expertise: Motional in driverless technology and Hyundai in R&D capabilities and global vehicle manufacturing.
The companies said in Media Release that the vehicle there are safety redundancies across every function, such as the navigation, steering, braking, and power, for a safe and smooth ride every time. There are also provision for Remote Vehicle Assistance (RVA) to the IONIQ 5 robotaxis should they encounter an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding.
The car, with range expected to be 300 miles on a charge, and DC fast charging at 350 kW which can take the battery from 10 to 80% charge in about 18 minutes, will be shown publicly for the at the IAA Mobility show in Munich from September 7-12.
