Motional, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, has announced plans to co-develop a production-ready version of the all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS). The joint venture aims to commercialize autonomous vehicles and deploy the IONIQ 5 robotaxi as part of Motional’s commercial service in the United States in 2024.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is equipped with advanced driverless technology, including integrated hardware and software, ensuring a seamless autonomous driving experience. Unlike the prototype versions, the production vehicles are FMVSS certified, meeting the minimum safety requirements set by the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Unlike competitor Cruise, which aimed to produce its Origin robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals, Motional’s IONIQ 5 will include these manual controls to enable humans to take over if necessary.
While the exact number of vehicles sent to the U.S. and the deployment markets remain undisclosed, Motional is actively operating its autonomous vehicle service in Las Vegas on popular ride-hail platforms such as Uber, Lyft, and Via. Additionally, Motional and Uber are currently piloting autonomous delivery in Santa Monica.
Singapore is an ideal production location for Motional due to Hyundai’s existing manufacturing facilities for IONIQ 5 commercial vehicles in the country. The HMGICS provides extensive support for autonomous vehicle production, including testing facilities, a calibration center, and software development capabilities.
Motional’s history with Singapore further strengthens its decision. As a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv, Motional’s predecessor, NuTonomy, previously launched a successful robotaxi pilot project in Singapore in 2016.
While currently focused on the U.S. market, Motional is interested in expanding its operations to international markets. With its well-structured streets, compact size, strict regulations, and government support for autonomous vehicles, Singapore presents a promising potential market for Motional’s AV technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Motional deploy the IONIQ 5 robotaxi in the U.S.?
Motional plans to deploy the IONIQ 5 robotaxi as part of its commercial service in the U.S. starting in 2024.
2. Will the IONIQ 5 robotaxi have manual controls?
Yes, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi will be equipped with a steering wheel and pedals, allowing for human intervention if required.
3. How many vehicles has Motional sent to the U.S.?
The exact number of vehicles sent to the U.S. by Motional has not been disclosed.
4. In which markets will Motional deploy the IONIQ 5 robotaxi?
Motional has not revealed the specific markets in which it plans to deploy the IONIQ 5 robotaxi.
5. What production capacity does HMGICS have?
The production capacity of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) has not been disclosed by Motional.