Is it simply me, or do too many new automobiles look about the identical? Hyundai believes it’s time to finish a well-liked pattern that almost each EV has these days.
Hyundai appears previous the LED lightbar for brand spanking new EV design
The LED mild bar has been round for some time. Within the early 2000’s Xenon headlights have been the hit pattern, providing a lot brighter mild whereas consuming much less power.
Though it was initially primarily discovered on luxurious automobiles, Hyundai was one of many first to leap on the pattern, working to make it extra broadly accessible at a decrease value.
Over the previous few years, the pattern has advanced into a skinny LED mild strip stretched throughout the entrance and typically the rear of the car.
Since most manufacturers are slapping it on electrical automobiles, it’s change into nearly a standing image of the EV motion. In early 2023, Hyundai revealed the brand new “EV-derived, futuristic” design for the Kona Electrical, putting a heavy emphasis on the entrance LED lightbar.
These days, practically each car, EV or gas-powered, has the favored design function. Even Tesla hopped on the pattern with the brand new Mannequin Y, Mannequin 3, and Cybertruck.
In accordance with Hyundai’s design boss, Simon Loasby, LED lightbars are “nearly on the finish of their journey.” After unveiling the brand new Idea Three on the Munich Motor Present final week, Loasby defined to Automotive Journal on the sidelines, “When is the time you’ll want to let go [of light bars], it’s nearly like the top of that.”
Though Hyundai lately added the lightbar to the Grandeur, Kona, and Sonata, Loasby mentioned he’s “seen sufficient.”
“It labored on the time, and it was completely proper, the Grandeur was the primary automobile with a one-piece construction. The largest factor is the price stage, you simply can’t afford to do it and a few clients don’t want it,” Hyundai’s design chief defined.
In China, “you will need to have it,” Loasby mentioned, however in different markets, like Europe and the US, it’s not wanted. Hyundai is as an alternative specializing in differentiating itself with its distinctive pixel lightning, discovered on the IONIQ EV fashions.
Hyundai has already had a number of copy its design, notably the Fiat Grande Panda, which Loasby joked, “thanks for copying, thanks for being impressed by us.”
It could be time for a shake-up. Loasby mentioned, “I believe we’re nearly on the finish of journey when it comes to lighting. It’s nearly like chrome.”
Hyundai’s new Idea Three, which is predicted to launch because the IONIQ 3 in manufacturing type, didn’t function a full LED lightbar. As a substitute, it had an up to date pixel lightning design.
Electrek’s Take
I’ve to agree with Loasby on this one. I need to admit that in the first place, I used to be a fan of the glossy look of a pleasant, slim lightbar, particularly at evening.
The extra I see it, the extra it jogs my memory of a Toyota now. And that’s nothing in opposition to them (It’s the world’s largest automaker), however ought to a Tesla Mannequin Y, or perhaps a Porsche 911, look the identical as a Toyota from the entrance? I’ll allow you to decide that one.
I drive a 2023 Tesla Mannequin 3, the final of the pre-facelift model, and was fairly bummed to see how cool the up to date Mannequin 3 checked out first. The extra I see them, although, the extra I just like the design of the first-gen Mannequin 3 and its extensive eyes. It’s distinctive. Now, the Mannequin 3 appears like some other car, no less than, for my part.
Is it time to place an finish to the LED lightbar? Tell us how you are feeling about it beneath.
