Hyundai, Kia, Genesis Software Defined Vehicles: features and details

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which includes Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, has announced that it will only sell Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) globally from 2025. Moreover, it also announced that it would launch two new platforms in 2025 and invest nearly USD 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 receive over the air (OTA) updates
• HMG to introduce Features on Demand from 2023
• Two new platforms coming in 2025

What are Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs)?

SDVs are essentially vehicles whose features and functions are primarily driven by software, and can be updated OTA. From 2025, all Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars will support OTA updates to enhance safety and performance after a vehicle is purchased. Future updates, Hyundai says, will also include connectivity, convenience and security features.

ICE models to get software updates too

The software updates will be made available to electric and internal combustion engined models, and every new product from 2023 onwards will be equipped to receive OTA updates. This will help customers receive said updates without them having to take their car to a service centre. The service was initially launched in 2021 and by 2023 it will be available on all 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 would help owners add additional features after taking delivery of their car. The FoD, which could include features like Level 3 Autonomous driving, will be available as full add-ons or as a subscription to buyers. 

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 models based on the eM platform will provide a 50 percent improvement in driving range on a single charge than existing EVs. The platform is being developed to support Level 3 or higher autonomous driving and OTA updates.

The eS platform, on the other hand, will have a skateboard design that will underpin purpose built vehicles for multiple services like delivery, logistics and car hailing.

By 2030, HMG plans to invest 18 trillion won (approximately USD 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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