-To debut Hyundai’s electric sub-brand ‘Ioniq’

-Will be based on the brand’s new E-GMP platform

The South Korean car manufacturer had showcased the codenamed 45 EV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. Since then, the test mule of the mini-CUV has been sighted several times being tested on public roads. Once again, the prototype has been spotted doing test runs but this time with a production-ready set of head and tail lights.

The upcoming 45 EV concept will be underpinned by the brand’s recently revealed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated architecture for all the electric vehicles to be built under the lineup of its sub-brand Ioniq. Observing the spy pictures, the first electric crossover likely to be named Ioniq 5 features a lattice-shaped front grille and square-shaped LED headlight and tail light units which are finally seen on this prototype. Also seen are the alloy wheels from the displayed concept model. Overall, the upcoming Ioniq 5 has a box-type exterior appearance with minimal clean lines to keep the design simple yet sophisticated.

Not many details are known with regards to its interiors but the Ioniq 5 is likely to be equipped with a reimagined cabin and latest driver assistance tech including lounge-type seats with rotatable front seats and interactive infotainment system. Hyundai has not disclosed information with respect to the electric powerplant of the upcoming EV. However, in a first, the upcoming EV is expected to support vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging capability.

The launch of the Ioniq 5 was recently announced by the company for early 2021 followed by Ioniq 6, a sedan and Ioniq 7, a full-size SUV. Hyundai aims an EV share of 8 to 10 per cent globally and eventually fully electrify its lineup in major global markets by 2040. Plan to launch the Ioniq 5 in India looks like a distant prediction as of now.