Genesis Motors, Hyundai’s luxury business, has revealed intentions to transition to a zero-emissions future by the beginning of the next decade.
Genesis will electrify in two ways, using both battery-electric cars (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs) under the expedited plans (FCEVs).
Along with the transition to electric propulsion, Genesis has promised to become a carbon-neutral brand by 2035. Genesis is the first brand in the Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) to make the switch.
The company intends to launch eight all-electric vehicles by 2030, with global sales of roughly 400,000 units per year by the end of the complete electrification roll-out.
Without getting into specifics, a presentation on the zero-emissions strategy noted that Genesis is working on high-power fuel cells and electrical systems that improve efficiency. Simultaneously, lithium-ion battery technology will advance in terms of performance and efficiency.
Genesis has already unveiled its first independent battery-electric car, the GV60 SUV (below), which uses the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP electric vehicle platform, which will be shared with vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, with more models on the way.
Earlier this year, an electric version of the G80 big sedan was introduced, with an electric GV70 medium SUV to come in the following months.
Genesis previewed a plethora of upcoming models as a preview of the future range (top of article), with Genesis chief executive officer Jay Chang and chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke outlining how the 2021 Genesis X Concept released earlier this year speaks to the design of the future.
Donckerwolke went on to say that the new electrified platforms offered a chance to provide new brand-specific features as a method of linking the brand product with its customers.
“Our new electric line-up is the ideal foundation for increasing our interaction with our customers,” said the design executive. “We want to engage all of their senses. Our new architecture will combine daring technology with stunning aesthetics, all while offering genuine detail-oriented experiences.”
Expanding on that idea, the video presentation showed a hypothetical future Genesis model with’stage doors,’ which open the front and rear doors in opposing directions, allowing access into the car without being obstructed by a B-pillar.
To convey a sense of class and elegance for the brand’s future models, rotating chairs rotate to meet passengers, while mood lighting, Korean ondol-style under-floor heating, and high-fidelity sound will be employed.
While the user interface isn’t exactly part of the electrification transition, it appears Genesis intends to enhance the features as part of a brand package as it transitions away from internal combustion engines.
The G90 limo, launched in late 2015, is now the oldest model in Genesis’ current lineup, followed by the G70 in 2017. While a new-generation G90 is expected to be introduced within the next six months, it is unclear whether the replacement for the existing G70 would arrive before the 2025 transition to BEV or FCEV vehicles.
Given the typical seven-year cycle for Hyundai Group products – and the fact that the current model has just undergone a mid-life facelift – the next-generation G70 may be the last of its kind to offer at least the option of internal combustion propulsion before the switch to pure-electric propulsion.
