The early electric vehicles (EVs) were often small, partly because they had to be as light as possible to move on the limited electrical energy. Today, as battery and powertrain technology have advanced substantially, EVs are as big as sedans with petrol or diesel engines.
For small and young customers
Hyundai, it seems, is going back to the ‘roots’ of EVs with a mini EV that is its smallest yet. In this first glimpse of the vehicle, it is clear that it is very small. The one-of-a-kind EV features Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology and is something that Hyundai wants to use to offer a unique mobility experience to young (and small) customers.
Styling based on 45 EV Concept
The exterior style is based on the ‘45’ EV concept that Hyundai displayed in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motorshow. The designers have adapted the signature ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design of the ‘45’ along with its angular yet smooth profile to create this yet-to-be-named EV that sports a Performance Blue exterior finish with orange accents.
This ‘little engine that could’ has two DC motors that can propel it to a top speed of 7 km/h, so it is only for the bravest souls! To boost driver confidence behind the wheel, the designers took inspiration from motorsports by placing just one seat in the middle of the 1.38-metre long car.
In keeping with the 45’s design heritage theme, Hyundai has built this unique passenger vehicle out of a traditional eco material – wood. There’s no officially rated driving range yet but the driver’s laughter is believed to be able to fuel the vehicle to travel further based on its Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology.
It’s certainly an intriguing little vehicle that we look forward to learning more about in due course.
45 EV Concept defines Hyundai Motor’s Future through Heritage
