The online updates will also include connectivity, convenience and security features, and they will be made available to all Hyundai group cars from 2025.
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which also includes Kia and Genesis brands, has announced that it will sell only Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) globally from 2025. Moreover, it also announced two new platforms ahead of the 2025 launch and an investment plan of nearly $13 billion on R&D for software-driven products by 2030. These announcements were made at the Group’s ‘Unlock the Software Age’ online global forum.
- EVs and ICE-models will be compatible for OTA updates
- HMG to introduce Features on Demand from 2023
- Two new platforms coming in 2025
What are Software Defined Vehicles or SDVs?
SDVs are essentially vehicles whose features and functions are primarily driven by software and can be updated over-the-air (OTA). From 2025, all Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars will support over-the-air updates to enhance safety and performance even after the vehicle is purchased. Future OTA updates, Hyundai says, will also include connectivity, convenience and security features.
Software updates will also be for ICE models
The software updates will not only include electric models, but also ICE-vehicles and every new product from 2023 will be equipped to receive OTA software updates. This will enable customers to remotely receive OTA updates without needing them to take their car to a service centre. The service was initially launched in 2021 and by 2023 it will be available to all the models from the group’s three brands.
Hyundai Motor Group to introduce Features on Demand
Additionally, from next year, HMG also aims to introduce Features on Demand (FoD) which will enable owners to add features even after taking the delivery of their car. The features will be available as full add-ons or buyers could opt to subscribe and use them for a limited time. For now, Hyundai Motor Group is considering the Level 3 Autonomous driving as an FoD.
Two new platforms announced for 2025
Additionally, HMG also announced two new EV platforms – eM and eS ahead of their launch in 2025. The carmaker says that the eM platform will provide a 50 percent improvement in driving range on a single charge compared to existing EVs. The platform is being developed to support Level 3 or higher autonomous driving and OTA updates.
The eS platform will be a skateboard designed to underpin purpose built vehicles designed for multiple services like delivery, logistics and car hailing.
By 2030, the HMG plans to invest 18 trillion won (approximately $12.7 billion), which includes the establishment of a Global Software Centre to accelerate software capabilities for the development of SDVs.
Do you like the idea of over-the-air updates for your car? Let us know in the comments section below.
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