Hyundai In-Car Payments: Launching in the All-Electric IONIQ 5

Hyundai's New In-Car Payment System

Hyundai has created an in-car payment solution set to launch with the upcoming all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover. This system will enable drivers to conveniently pay for EV charging, food, and parking directly from their vehicle.

This development represents a growing trend among automakers to diversify revenue streams and provide features traditionally found on smartphones.

Launch Partners and Availability

Upon its arrival in North America in fall 2021, the payment system will initially integrate with Domino's, ParkWhiz, and Chargehub. This was announced by the company on Monday.

Further details regarding the Ioniq 5 were also revealed during its North American debut.

How the System Works: Bluelink Integration

The payment functionality is facilitated through Bluelink, Hyundai’s connected car system. Bluelink provides users with control over a range of vehicle functions and services.

Initially offered at no cost for three years, Bluelink then transitions to a monthly subscription. It is available in three tiers, encompassing vehicle maintenance alerts, remote climate control, and remote locking/unlocking capabilities, alongside destination search.

Bluelink can also be connected to a user’s Google Assistant, allowing for information transfer to the Hyundai vehicle.

Future Expansion and the Xevo Marketplace

Hyundai intends to broaden the in-car payment system to include additional businesses within the EV charging, food, coffee, and parking sectors.

A company representative stated that new merchants will be continuously added through the Xevo Marketplace platform.

The Ioniq 5 and the E-GMP Platform

The Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s first vehicle specifically designed as a battery-electric vehicle. It is built upon the new Electric-Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP.

This E-GMP platform is also shared with Kia and serves as the foundation for the new EV6.

Ioniq Lineage

The Ioniq name is not new to Hyundai. In 2016, the company launched the Ioniq, a hatchback available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions.

Hyundai is leveraging the existing Ioniq vehicle as the starting point for its new EV brand.

Design and Inspiration

All vehicles under the Ioniq brand will utilize the E-GMP platform.

The Ioniq 5 is inspired by Hyundai’s Concept 45, a monocoque-style crossover unveiled at the 2019 International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

The Concept 45’s design drew inspiration from the lines and features of Hyundai’s original concept vehicle, the 1974 Pony Coupe. The “45” designation refers to the 45-degree angles incorporated into the vehicle’s front and rear design.