The Seven Concept car and Ioniq 6 — both making their Canadian debuts in Montreal in January — are Hyundai’s latest electric vehicles

At the Montreal Auto Show this month Hyundai will give Canadian customers a first look at its upcoming electric vehicles — one a concept car, the other the latest iteration of the Ioniq.

The Seven Concept is Hyundai’s first time designing an SUV with seven seats. The Ioniq 6 is the sedan version of the South Korean-automaker’s popular Ioniq 5 model.

“[This is] representing a clear break from past ICE (internal combustion engine) traditions and redefining what an SUV needs to become in the electrified era,” explains a spokesperson for Hyundai in an email to Electric Autonomy.

The Seven Concept incorporates the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) found in the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6. The vehicle’s range is an estimated 480 kilometres with charging capabilities of 350 kW. Hyundai estimates a charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes.

“The Seven concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future. Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America in a press note for the initial U.S. unveiling of the Seven Concept car in November 2021.

Prioritizing customers values

Hyundai says that the Seven Concept’s design and technology innovations were developed to prioritize customer values over industry norms.

“The vehicle has been designed with a focus on sustainability and hygiene, using materials with surface-level anti-bacterial properties like mineral plaster, copper, hygiene-treated fabrics, bamboo carpet and wood, and copper powder-infused artificial leather,” says Hyundai’s spokesperson.

The vehicle features coach doors without a pillar separating the front and back seats, creating a “grande entrance.” As well the Seven Concept has a streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row. This opens up new opportunities to “furnish the interior of the vehicle like a premium lounge,” adds the spokesperson.

The Seven also has a retractable control stick, lounge chairs, a curved bench seat, mini fridge and panoramic roof screen.

The Ioniq 6

In the category of more immediately attainable vehicles is the Ioniq 6. It is the latest addition to Hyundai’s Ioniq family, following its successful sibling, the Ioniq 5.

The Ioniq 6 offers a 350-kW charger; taking the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes. It has an estimated driving range of up to 547 kilometres in its RWD variant. 

The Ioniq 6 is the first Hyundai model with Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware update technology to improve the car’s performance remotely. It features what the automaker describes as a “sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, along with a spacious and modern interior.”

Revealing the two new electric vehicles to Canadian customers in Montreal is likely a calculated choice by the automaker.

“As a company, we have always recognized the importance of the Quebec market and its leading role in EV adoption in Canada,” says Don Romano, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada in a press statement.

“We are committed to delivering the best in innovation and sustainability, and we are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our Quebec customers in driving this movement forward.”

The Ioniq 6 will available in Canadian showrooms in the spring of 2023.