Seven of Mine: Hyundai Assimilates Electric Power

Appearing on the same day as certain other vehicles under which one will find the E-GMP architecture, the annoyingly capitalized Hyundai SEVEN was introduced today at the L.A. Auto Show. Billed as a preview of a future sport utility electric vehicle, it’s meant to further the burgeoning all-electric IONIQ sub-brand while also being one of the building clocks for Hyundai’s kick at reaching carbon neutrality by 2045.

Why they didn’t have Jeri Ryan drive the thing on stage is beyond this author’s comprehension.

You may recall the automaker’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) has quickly become the structure for a number of vehicles including the Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6, not to mention the Concept EV9 which also appeared this morning at the same auto show. As such, this Hyundai SEVEN shares certain key metrics with the latter, including a targeted range of 300 miles and the capability to hoover up enough electrons to fill its battery to 80 percent in about 20ish minutes.

This is a big brute, with a wheelbase spanning almost 126 inches. That about splits the difference between a Tahoe and Suburban, if you’re wondering. Few other details were given since whatever production vehicle is spawned from this concept will likely be beaten into submission by pencil-necked accountants seeking to save pennies. A skateboard-style platform like the E-GMP does permit a certain amount of styling freedom compared to other structures where certain hardpoints are locked into place early in development. Don’t expect the wild door opening or seating arrangement shown here, for example, but that unique front lighting signature is not wholly out of the question.

“The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”

Cutting through the marketing speak, we find several technologies – in addition to the EV powertrain – that could be useful to real-world consumers. With all eyes on germ epidemiology these days, the Hygiene Airflow System is a neat idea that takes inspiration from the airflow management found in passenger aircraft. In its one mode, air is taken in through air intakes located in the roof rails. It then travels downward through the cabin and is extracted through an exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In another mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to rear vents. It can apparently operate whether the vehicle is in motion or not, suggesting active airflow fans and the like, reducing cross-contamination among passengers and isolating airflow between front and rear occupants.

Pandemic or not, there has been an Uber or two in which we wish this type of system was in place. Dude definitely had Taco Bell for lunch, is all we’re saying.

There are no firm plans to produce the Hyundai SEVEN as it sits of course, though you can wager large sums it won’t be too long before their showrooms contain a large all-electric SUV. Perhaps they’ll hire Jeri Ryan to introduce that one.

{Images: Hyundai, © 2021 Tim Healey/TTAC]