FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Hyundai 45 retro electric concept unveiled

Hyundai has pulled the covers off its latest fully electric, self-driving vehicle concept at the Frankfurt motor show overnight, in the form of the retro-themed Hyundai 45.

Styling inspiration is said to have come from the brand’s 1974 Pony Coupe Concept, the model that helped Hyundai establish its design DNA 45 years ago.

Furthermore, the South Korean car-maker says the sleek 45 concept takes design cues from 1920s aircraft, with a focus on aerodynamics, lightweight design and instantly recognisable exterior styling cues including a ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design up front and unique rear-end design.

It’s also packed with technology, such as active LED headlights, door garnishes to highlight battery capability and a hidden Camera Monitoring System (CMS) that allows for autonomous driving functionality.

Cabin space has also been maximised with the batteries positioned throughout the 45’s ‘skateboard floor’, allowing Hyundai to focus on making the interior feel like a living space, with rotating front seats, lounge chair-style rear seats and a minimalistic design featuring wood, fabric and leather materials throughout.

No details have been provided about the 45’s battery-electric powertrain, but all future EVs from Hyundai and its Kia sister brand will have 800-volt electrical systems, making them compatible with 350kW DC fast-chargers like those supplied by Australian company Tritium to IONITY.

Tritium already supplies fast-chargers to the US and its deal with IONITY, a joint-venture established in 2017 by BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen (including Audi and Porsche, will see 220 Tritium fast-chargers in place at its 400 European outlets by 2020 – up from 140 currently.

That will make it the world’s largest EV recharging network, with sites in 24 European countries positioned on average every 130km on major motorways and all of them powered exclusively by renewable energy.

Cutting recharge times from hours to minutes, 350kW fast-chargers are also being rolled out by other network providers like Gridserve, but apart from the upcoming Porsche Taycan no EVs are capable of using their maximum charge rate.

That will change soon though, following this week’s announcement that Hyundai and Kia will join the IONITY party and, from 2021, produce 800V EVs compatible with 350kW charging.

“Our participation in this joint-venture reaffirms the group’s commitment to future electromobility,” said Hyundai Motor Group’s Thomas Schemera.

“I am confident that our work with IONITY will open a new era of high-power charging experiences, where charging will be seamless and easier than refueling for our customers.”