Hyundai 45 EV Concept revealed – UPDATE: video tour
Hyundai's vision for its electric future is laid out on the 45 EV, revealed at the Frankfurt motor show.
UPDATE: As it did with its recent Tucson-previewing Vision T concept, Hyundai has had its chief designer SangYung Lee explain the inspiration and virtues of last year's 45 electric vehicle concept.
The small EV has been spied testing in production form in recent months, but, for now, Hyundai has yet to offer any word on timing for its global debut.
September 10, 2019: Hyundai has revealed the face that will carry into the age of electrification, showing off the 45 EV Concept in Frankfurt.
The new 45 EV is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept unveiled 1974, bearing a very similar fastback profile a slim, angry graphic at the front.
Much like Honda with its Urban EV concept, the 45 takes classic design cues like simple quad head/tail-lights and reimagines them with LEDs for a pared-back look.
The car's body is very simple, with both the windscreen and tailgate sloping at 45 degrees to give the car a "diamond-shaped silhouette that further foreshadows the design direction of future EV models".
There are a few clever little touches scattered around the exterior, like an LED battery display in the driver's door sill and a hidden camera system designed to underpin Hyundai's autonomous plans going forward.
Gone are the traditional wing mirrors, replaced with aerodynamic cameras. The camera can automatically clean itself with a brush, lest dirt and road grime ruin its outlook on the road behind.
Inside, the cabin has been inspired by high-end furniture. There's lots of wool, fabric and leather scattered throughout, and the front seats look like lounge room armchairs.
Given the 45 has one eye on autonomy, the front seats can rotate to face the rears for a more relaxed, communal feeling. When the front pews are pointed forwards, there's also a 'projection beam' infotainment system on hand to control media, vehicle settings, and provide information about the car's operation.
With batteries stowed under the floor in a skateboard chassis, the 45 has a totally flat cabin floor. It's covered with carpet to build on the living room feel, and to help cut down on road noise.
Although the design is pared-back, Hyundai hasn't skimped on storage space. The company says there's door pockets designed to house a tablet or notebook, and the material covering the pockets is clear to make it easier to know what's inside.
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