Hyundai's Innovation Story

We’re extremely proud to be able to meet the needs and requirements of our customers through the development and implementation of new vehicle functions, such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving. Because Hyundai NZ is a 100% kiwi business, we ensure you get the best of both worlds – the benefits of global investment, research and development, combined with our local commitment and understanding. Read below to follow our innovation journey through the years.

1990

Hyundai Motor Company established a Global Design Center in Fountain Valley, California. It was a deliberate move to ensure those leading Hyundai design into the future were close to, and influenced by, the leading edge of technological design. 

1991

In 1991, the first pure electric car developed by Hyundai was unveiled. The Sonata electric vehicle demonstrated Hyundai's future leadership in zero emission vehicles.

1995

The new hybrid-electric FGV-1 was unveiled at Seoul Motor Show (Concept Car).   

1998

Fuel cell development team incorporated. 

2000

Santa Fe Electric Vehicle and Hyundai's first Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle was developed (FCEV).

2004

First in-house developed fuel cell stack.  

2005

Tucson FCEV - the first implementation of fuel cell system in a production vehicle by Hyundai.

2007

Tucson FCEV- Implementation of electrical drive system to Tucson models. 

2009

Hyundai began producing Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and developed LPi HEV as the world's first, which includes lithium polymer batteries.

2010

Tucson ix FCEV -700 bar high pressure hydrogen tank introduced. 

2011

Hyundai successfully developed Transmission Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) technology as the world’s first. Hyundai started to sell Sonata HEV globally with TMED technology.   

2013

Tucson ix35 world’s 1st mass production FCEV vehicle. 

2016

Global Launch of IONIQ. IONIQ, the first vehicle in the world to be offered in Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid & Electric on one single platform. 

 Learn more about IONIQ

January 2018

Global Launch of fully electric compact SUV, the Kona Electric.  

With the ability to travel over 400 km on a single charge, the Kona Electric represents a breakthrough for affordable electric motoring in New Zealand.

September 2018

Hyundai Motor and H2 Energy bought the world's first fleet of fuel cell electric trucks into commercial operation. New fuel cell electric trucks are expected to travel a range of approximately 400km in real-life driving conditions.    

October 2018

Global launch of NEXO, Hyundai’s hydrogen powered electric SUV. Second mass produced FCEV.   

November 2018

Auto Link Premium launches in New Zealand. Auto Link connects your car’s on-board computer to your mobile phone and is accessible via a smartphone app.

November 2018

Hyundai introduces eco-friendly solar charging system. It can charge a vehicle’s battery using solar panels on its roof or body, improving mileage and reducing CO2 emissions.

January 2019

Hyundai unveils walking car concept “Elevate”. Elevate, the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), prepares communities in the event of a natural disaster. 

March 2019

Hyundai develops Smartphone-based Digital Key. The new technology allows a vehicle to be unlocked, started, and driven without a physical key.

March 2021

The IONIQ 5 marks the beginning of a new era of clean mobility for Hyundai.

Blurring the line between digital and analogue, the new battery-electric midsize SUV is the flagship model behind Hyundai’s new signature dedicated E-GMP EV architecture. 

August 2021

Hyundai Motor Presents Carbon Neutral Commitment at IAA Mobility 2021 

• Hyundai Motor commits to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045
• Hyundai’s holistic approach focuses on three pillars: clean mobility, next-generation platforms and green energy
• Hyundai to stop selling internal combustion engine vehicles in Europe, starting in 2035
• At IAA, Hyundai showcases concepts for the upcoming BEV model, all-electric robotaxi, and artistic displays on Hydrogen value chain to visitors and digital attendees.

September 2021

 Hyundai Motor Group Presents Its Vision to Popularise Hydrogen by 2040 at Hydrogen Wave Forum. 

  • The Group introduced next- generation fuel cell system – 100kW and 200kW variations.
  • Future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies were also revealed, including Trailer Drone, high-performance sports car, and fuel cell equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions

October 2021

Hyundai EV rally car wins on debut

Kiwi rally star Hayden Paddon piloted his Hyundai Kona EV rally car to victory on debut for the ground-breaking electric powered car.

November 2021

IONIQ Seven concept revealed

From its signature Parametric Pixel lights that welcome you back with a unique light show, to a revolutionary lounge-like cabin tastefully designed with swiveling chairs and curved bench seat.

SEVEN is a boldly electrifying concept SUV unlike anything you’ve seen.

June 2022

Global unveiling of the IONIQ 6

The IONIQ 6, the second Hyundai to utilise the E-GMP platform, is unveiled at the Busan motorshow. 

The Electrified Streamliner is Hyundai’s new design typology of the electric mobility era and offers a range of new technologies and innovation.

July 2022

RN22e & N Vision 74 concept vehicles

Hyundai Motor’s high-performance N sub-brand reveals it's electrification vision demonstrating the company’s commitment to future-focused zero-emissions technologies.

RN22e and N Vision 74 are inspirational examples of N’s electrification vision and represent the future of zero-emission performance motoring.

July 2022

New Zealand introduction of Hyundai XCIENT FCEV Fuel Cell Truck

The revolutionary XCIENT FCEV is commissioned by NZ Post setting a platform for the widespread introduction of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology to New Zealand.