WATCH: Autonomous Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi navigates Las Vegas

MANILA: Hyundai recently released a new campaign video for the upcoming launch of its 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi, made in partnership with Motional, a leading autonomous driving joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi — based on the award-winning EV that could arrive in the country this 2023 — is slated to be unveiled in Las Vegas, the site of the most important technology event in the world, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in late 2023. The ad film showcases the Level 4 autonomous driving technology and safety features of the vehicle.

Las Vegas, which is known as "the Entertainment Capital of the World," is a popular destination for travelers, drawing up to 42.5 million people there each year (its 2019 pre-pandemic high). The fully autonomous 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi will be the ideal solution for many tourists to move around safely and securely since many visitors rely on taxis and ride-hailing services while they visit the area.

The advertisement shows how this well-known tourist spot provides a variety of exceptional "edge case" possibilities for the robotaxi's testing and data gathering.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi is shown utilizing its more than 30 cutting-edge sensors, including cameras, radars, and lidar, as well as its onboard computing system to travel in a strange environment full of unpredictable pedestrians and oddly shaped vehicles like stretch limousines and billboard trucks.

Additionally, it can be seen picking up passengers carefully and attentively in a congested hotel driveway, just like a professional driver would.

After being introduced in Vegas, the Robotaxi will also be accessible in Los Angeles and subsequently in other significant cities throughout the US and the rest of the world. The robotaxi is already learning how to conquer Boston's winding, curved streets, San Diego's street-level light rail service, protected cycling lanes, and Singapore's left-side traffic as part of its ongoing training program.

Autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) are safer for the environment in addition to having a variety of sensors and software to allow safe and secure driverless operation. As a greener option to traditional automobiles, the Ioniq 5 robotaxi promotes sustainable mobility by having zero exhaust emissions.

Hyundai Motor has given the public more opportunity to sample the Robotaxi since the company's worldwide manifesto campaign was started in May 2022. The Ioniq 5 Robotaxi is described as "a mobility solution with humanity inside — not only without a human driver" under Hyundai's "Progress for Humanity" mission.

Last year, Hyundai piloted a RoboRide car-hailing service in Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea. The service used 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology. The pilot RoboRide was the first autonomous car-hailing service to operate in Gangnam, one of the most congested areas in metropolitan Seoul.

For the pilot service, Hyundai was given the green light by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of Korea. The carmaker collaborated with Jin Mobility, a Korean startup operating the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered car-hailing mobility platform i.M.

Jin Mobility was in charge of operating the two Ioniq 5 RoboRide units on its i.M application. Hyundai also planned to expand the pilot service, while further developing autonomous driving technology with consideration for various conditions, such as driving stability.

Through this pilot, Hyundai expected to collect valuable autonomous driving data and planned to further develop the level 4 autonomous driving technology, for the vehicle to navigate safely and flexibly in complicated urban environments.

To prepare for such a complicated driving environment, Hyundai has worked with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to establish a system that can connect traffic signals with autonomous vehicles. It has also gathered copious driving data since 2019 by testing autonomous driving in the Gangnam area.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5's BEV design is compatible with 400V and 800V charging stations in 2023. It has a multi-charging system that allows the motor and inverter to operate at 400V to 800V to support compatibility with constant charging.

A 350kW charger can charge the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. The vehicle can reach 100km after only five minutes of charging, according to WLTP.

With the V2L function, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge up to 3.6kW of power on electric bicycles, scooters, camping equipment, and any electric devices. The charging ports are situated under the second row seats and on the vehicle exterior. High-powered electric devices can be charged through a converter.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 exhibits a unique midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) exterior look, chiseled with clean and edgy linear accents. The vehicle is designed with a 3,000mm wheelbase.

Hyundai's first clamshell hood, designed with fewer panel gaps for greater aerodynamics, is featured on the front of the EV. The front bumper of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is equally eye-catching and enhanced with unusual V-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). Auto flush door handles and Hyundai's "Parametric Dynamics" design, which was inspired by the brand-new Hyundai Tucson, are also included in the vehicle's features.

Among all Hyundai electric vehicles, the Ioniq 5 receives the biggest wheels. Each of its aero-optimized wheels has a diameter of 20 inches. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also features an eco-friendly solar roof that can collect and transmit energy to the vehicle’s battery to avoid battery discharge when traveling over longer distances.

On the inside, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 features the “Living Space” design, which is highlighted by the adjustable center console called the Universal Island. It is designed to provide a more flexible space inside the cabin. Its longer-than-usual wheelbase provides extra legroom for a more comfortable ride. The vehicle is also upholstered with electronically adjustable front seats, whose thickness were decreased by 30% to offer more room for the second-row passengers.

A heated steering wheel and heated front seat functions can be used during the winter season. To manifest its commitment in promoting sustainable development, the car seats, headliner, door trim, floor, and armrest were all made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled PET bottles, bio PET yarns and wool yarns, eco-processed leather, and bio paint with plant extracts. The cabin also features a unique ceiling which is made of one large glass panel without any support materials.

Photos from Hyundai

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