Hyundai takes a further step in its US venture, joining hands with driverless automaker Motional to manufacture the all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi.
The co-development plan was made in time of Hyundai's celebration of its new innovation center in Singapore, where the IONIQ 5 will soon be built for commercial release next year.
Motional reported that its first models have already arrived and ready for development tests.
The company has been trying to make an autonomous version of the IONIQ SUV since March 2021. All driverless technology will be integrated to the vehicles in the assembly line.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is one of the first SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles that received the approval of the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
This means the EV meets the minimum performance requirement to ensure safety of its riders and pedestrians while operational. Motional ensured that the vehicles have steering wheel and pedal.
Motional provides services on the Uber, Lyft, and Via around Las Vegas, Nevada. Motional and Uber plans to launch another operations set soon on Los Angeles, California.
Robotaxi Controversy and Safety Issues in the US
Hyundai's partnership with Motional to deploy driverless cars came in time with federal regulators have stricter supervision on automated vehicles after recent incidents.
Motional's rival, Cruise, has its robotaxi operations suspended in San Francisco in response to one of its EVs hit and killed a pedestrian last Oct. 2.
General Motors, Cruise's parent company, has since intervened with company affairs to avoid further incidents in the future.
Cruise's founder and CEO Kyle Vogt stepped down amidst the controversies and talks of mismanagement inside the company.
Also Read: GM Cruise Co-founder Kyle Vogt Resigns as CEO
IONIQ 5: Specs, Performance, and Availability
Hyundai's IONIQ 5 is its latest step into electric robotaxi, aimed to have zero emissions and make transportation much safer and sustainable.
The robotaxi's driverless features was inspired by the design process for WRC rally cars. Each car has over 30 sensors to detect its surrounding.
Moreover, the car's system itself has a backup program set when the first one fails.
IONIQ 5 is Hyundai's first driverless vehicle project.
Its developer Motional is the result of Hyundai's deal with automative technology supplier with Hyundai for its American customers.
Related Article: Amazon Seals Hyundai Deal, to Open Online Car Sales Next Year
