The GV80 concept by Genesis brings fuel-cell power to luxury SUVs

By Stephen Edelstein Published April 13, 2017

Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury brand currently sells two large sedans, but at the 2017 New York Auto Show, Genesis will unveil a concept car showing some more ambitious future directions it could take.

The Genesis GV80 concept is a hydrogen fuel cell SUV with a futuristic human-machine interface design. That makes it probably the most relevant concept car to appear in New York: A vehicle that capitalizes on the current popularity of SUVs, features a zero-emission powertrain to meet future efficiency standards, and addresses the all-important question of infotainment tech.

Recommended Videos

The GV80 also hints at what future styling direction Genesis might take as it tries to define its identity. The concept’s exterior looks a like a mix of styling cues from the G80 and G90 sedans, with a bit of Bentley Bentayga thrown in. The mesh texture on the grille, wheels, and door pillars is an interesting touch, while 23-inch rims add plenty of bling. The GV80 also features electric door handles that sit flush with the bodywork, a nod to aerodynamic efficiency.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Genesis did not provide any specifications for the GV80 concept’s fuel-cell powertrain, but parent company Hyundai has plenty of experience in thus area. It already leases the Tucson Fuel Cell in California, and is preparing a followup model that will launch next year. It was previewed by the FE Fuel Cell SUV concept that appeared last month at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Technology from that model could certainly make its way into a future Genesis.

The layout of the GV80’s interior is best described as minimalist. The dashboard includes a 22-inch OLED screen, a digital instrument cluster for the driver, and precious few buttons and analog controls. The four-seat cabin still manages to include some form of infotainment for each occupant, though. Genesis’ designers used the lack of clutter to highlight upscale materials, including ash wood on the center console, and leather for the seats and instrument panel.

The GV80 concept won’t go into production, but something very similar probably will. Genesis has already discussed launching an SUV, something it definitely needs if it really wants to compete with established luxury brands. Hyundai is also planning a massive influx of green models, so it makes sense for Genesis to add some form of zero-emission vehicle in the future.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

EV sales surge could continue as Trump delays ending federal rebates, report says

Second-Gen Rivian R1S on a road

A surge in sales of electric vehicles in the final months of last year could continue well into 2025, as consumers continue to take advantage of federal tax incentives while they last, according to a report by the Associated Press.
On the day of his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy”, which says the government is “considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies.”
During his campaign, Trump’s team said it was planning to end the Biden administration’s $7,500 tax credit on the purchase or lease of an EV, although it did not provide a timeline for doing so.
Americans rushed to take advantage of the incentive, helping fuel a surge of more than 15% in EV sales in the fourth quarter, according to Cox Automotive.
Recent surveys show that incentives have played a major role in fueling EV sales over the past few years, and that a majority of Americans are in favor of government incentives to help with the purchase of an EV.
Meanwhile, the wording in Trump’s executive order, which says his administration is still 'considering' its options, leaves room for ambiguity about the timing of its application.
“Temporarily, sales of EVs could skyrocket as car-buyers rush to take advantage of existing tax credits,” the report by the Associated Press says.
In order to repeal the EV tax credit, the Trump administration will need to obtain the approval of congress. The process will likely take place as part of broader negotiations on extending Trump’s first-term tax cuts, which are due to expire near the end of 2025.
It’s also not entirely clear if the Trump administration will seek to end the whole of the $7,500 EV tax incentive. In order to obtain the incentive for the purchase of an EV, restrictions apply for high-income households and for EVs with non-U.S. made batteries. But those restrictions don’t apply to leasing an EV.
According to Cox Automotive, members of the Trump administration are particularly keen on ending “this leasing loophole, which was created partly to appease Korean and Japanese automakers, who have invested billions in U.S. EV manufacturing.”
Ending rebates and other subsidies for EVs is also likely to meet challenges, be they legal or political, from different actors.
The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), a trade group whose members include the likes of Tesla, Waymo, Rivian, and Uber, has come out in support of incentives for both the production and the sale of EVs.
ZETA says the incentives for both EV and battery-makers have led to enormous investments and job gains in Republican-dominated states like Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Georgia.

Cars

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs Rivian R1S: Can Tesla’s newest take out a much more expensive vehicle?

Tesla Model Y 2025.

Tesla and Rivian actually have a lot in common. Both are relatively new companies in the grand scheme of things, at least compared to the legacy automakers that are now switching to EVs, but their actual vehicles are pretty different. The Tesla Model Y is the most popular electric vehicle in America, serving as a high-tech crossover for those interested in buying a Tesla. The Rivian R1S is Rivian's electric SUV, obviously boasting a larger body, but also putting tech first.

On top of the Tesla Model Y being the most popular EV right now, it's also in the midst of getting a major refresh in the form of the Model Y Juniper. We're still early on in the rollout of that refresh, though. While Tesla has released the Model Y Juniper in its base form in China, the version of the vehicle being sold in the US right now is the so-called Launch Edition New Model Y, which is a high-performance version of the Model Y Juniper that comes with a high price tag. For this comparison, we'll use the specs from the both the entry-level Model Y Juniper being sold in China, and the launch edition New Model Y being sold in the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that until the Model Y Juniper gets a wider U.S. release, only the previous-generation Model Y is being sold alongside the Launch Edition New Model Y

Cars

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs Kia EV9: Can the new Model Y beat a large SUV?

White Tesla Model Y Juniper at a Supercharger

America's most popular electric vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, is getting a major refresh. Tesla already launched the Tesla Model Y Juniper in China, but now it's bringing the vehicle to the US.

Of course, the new Model Y has to go up against a host of competitive electric vehicles, some of which are larger, some faster, and some even cheaper. The Kia EV9 has been hailed for being one of the few full-size electric SUVs that offers a high-quality driving experience without completely breaking the bank.

nproxy.org