Hyundai Motor Company has announced a partnership with Avride, a leading autonomous driving technology startup. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and deployment of robotaxis, with plans to introduce up to 100 autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles by 2025.
This partnership builds upon a relationship that began in 2019 when Avride, then known as Yandex, started using Hyundai vehicles like the Sonata and IONIQ 5 as platforms for testing autonomous driving technology. The rebranded Avride, now based in Austin, USA, has been making strides in the autonomous vehicle sector since its spinoff from Yandex in 2022.
Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This new agreement with Hyundai Motor Company will help us scale our operations significantly, with plans to expand our fleet to up to 100 autonomous IONIQ 5’s in 2025, leveraging Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5 and our autonomous driving technology.”
The partnership’s immediate focus is on developing robotaxis, but the scope extends beyond passenger transport. Both companies are exploring potential collaborations in autonomous delivery services using Avride’s robots, signaling a broader commitment to advancing smart transportation solutions.
Central to this ambitious plan is Hyundai’s new Metaplant America facility in Georgia. This state-of-the-art plant will serve as the assembly point for the IONIQ 5 robotaxis before they are integrated with Avride’s self-driving technology. This strategic decision not only streamlines the production process but also leverages Hyundai’s manufacturing expertise in conjunction with Avride’s technological prowess.
The fruits of this collaboration will first be seen on the streets of Dallas, Texas, later this year. Customers in the area will have the opportunity to experience these cutting-edge autonomous vehicles through the Uber app, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization of self-driving ride-hailing services.
This partnership with Avride is just one facet of Hyundai’s comprehensive strategy in the autonomous vehicle sector. The company has been actively pursuing various avenues to establish itself as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.
In 2024, an IONIQ 5 robotaxi achieved a remarkable feat by passing a US driver’s license test, becoming the first Level 4 autonomous vehicle to receive Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) certification. This accomplishment underscores the advanced capabilities of Hyundai’s autonomous technology and sets a new benchmark in the industry.
Hyundai’s involvement in autonomous driving extends beyond its partnership with Avride. The company has also joined forces with Waymo LLC and maintains a joint venture with Aptiv PLC called Motional Inc., which has been offering pilot robotaxi services in Las Vegas since 2018.
Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, saying, “Hyundai Motor Company is actively advancing its autonomous vehicle foundry business in pursuit of pioneering vehicles most suitable for Level 4 autonomous driving. We are expanding our collaboration with leading autonomous driving tech companies like Avride, fostering an environment where their innovations can actively participate in our endeavor to shape the future of mobility.”
While the partnership between Hyundai and Avride presents exciting possibilities, it also faces potential challenges. Regulatory compliance remains a critical hurdle, as the legal framework for operating autonomous vehicles on public roads is still evolving in many jurisdictions. Additionally, public acceptance and trust in self-driving technology will be crucial for the widespread adoption of robotaxi services.
However, the potential benefits of this collaboration are substantial. The deployment of autonomous electric vehicles in ride-hailing services could lead to reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and more efficient urban transportation systems. Furthermore, the exploration of autonomous delivery services hints at a broader vision for revolutionizing urban logistics.
As Hyundai and Avride work towards their goal of deploying 100 autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles by 2025, the automotive and technology industries will be watching closely. This partnership not only represents a significant step forward in the development of autonomous vehicles but also signals a new era in urban mobility and smart transportation solutions.
