What in the world did we ever do before smartphones? It seems like we used to cook, heat and cool our homes, turn the radio on and off, and start the car in a way they used to call “manual.” But, I have to be honest. I’m not sure, because Alexa didn’t give me the answer. Indeed, between smart speakers and phone apps, there isn’t much that we can’t do with a click or even our voice alone. Add charging your electric car (yes, those are a thing since smartphones, too) to the list of things that a phone app can do to make your life that much easier. At least, Hyundai electric cars can do this new thing. Gildshire was curious, and Car and Driver helped with the research.
Hyundai International Motor Group is the think-tank behind what they call SEVPBPAT. That’s a mouthful, but it is shorter than “smartphone electric-vehicle pairing-based performance-adjustment technology.” Essentially, Hyundai’s app controls the performance and essential features of an electric vehicle. It’s something that’s coming very soon to owners of Hyundai electric cars.
Indeed there is. The Hyundai electric car app is here!
Wait! What? With my smartphone?
Let me say that again for those who are mesmerized by the number of cat videos already on their smartphone. You will be capable of tuning the usual on/off features of your Hyundai electric car, AND the PERFORMANCE of your Hyundai electric car, and all from your phone. Through the owner’s app, you will adjust seven performance functions.
1. Maximum torque output
2. Top speed
3. Acceleration and deceleration responsiveness
4.Regenerative braking
5. Climate-control energy usage.
These settings and adjustments will work for rental cars, as well, as long as you have a rental ride that is electric and compatible with Hyundai electric car technology. In other words, if you rent what you already own.
There’s more to this app, though. It isn’t just a blind servant. Besides allowing drivers to provide their preferred settings, the Hyundai electric car app (easier description than the one above) can recommend setups that promote efficiency or performance. It can save the settings you choose for the roads you drive. Settings are shareable between users, and blockchain tech will keep everything secure and safe.
Question: Is this kind of thing feasible for gas cars?
Apparently no, and not even particularly close. Hyundai says their system is specific to Hyundai electric cars and not internal-combustion engines. (Though, we suspect that other carmakers will follow suit, at least when they get a look at Hyundai’s schematics.)
Hyundai International Motor Group (which includes both Hyundai and Kia) has over 20 EVs expected out before 2026, and several already on sale. Among them the new Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Soul EV. The Hyundai electric car smartphone app will be rolled out in the future for Kia vehicles, as well.
So you bought your smartphone to make calls, text with the kids, and play Angry Birds. That was just the edge of the pit you were about to descend. Tuning your Hyundai electric car with your phone. We shudder to think about what may be next.
