Genesis G80 EV: Everything we know

Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury brand Genesis unveiled the electric version of the G80 at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show as the ‘Genesis Electrified G80’. The first Genesis electric car is now on sale in South Korea and will be sequentially launched worldwide this year.

Nearly two months after its world premiere in Shanghai, the Genesis G80 EV celebrated its domestic debut at the 2021 Seoul Smart Mobility Expo on 10 June 2021 and was released in the local market on 7 July 2021.

Highlights of the Genesis electric car

Genesis Electrified G80
The Genesis Electrified G80 comes in one variant. Image Source: Genesis
  • The Genesis Electrified G80 is the brand’ first electric car. It embodies the ‘Athletic Elegance’ and ‘Beauty of White Space’ design concepts in the exterior and interior.
  • Based on the liberal South Korean test cycle, the maximum range per charge is 427 km (265 mi). At a 350 kW rapid charging station, the battery charges from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes.
  • The Electrified G80 comes exclusively in All-Wheel Drive. The two motors deliver 272 kW and 700 Nm torque. The sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds in Sports mode.
  • The G80 electric has a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) that automatically connects or disconnects the motor and driveshaft based on the driving conditions, including vehicle speed and the driving mode, seamlessly switching between 2WD and AWD to reduce power loss and improve efficiency.
  • The Electrified G80 comes with a 400V/800V multi rapid charging system that does not entail an additional converter. The motor and inverter can boost voltage from 400V to 800V for stable charging.
  • The Electrified G80 also offers V2L (Vehicle to Load) that lets customers use electric power of 3.6 kW to run appliances outside the vehicle.
  • The Genesis G80 EV comes with ANC-R (Active Noise Control-Road). The noise cancellation system reduces noise significantly by measuring and analyzing road noises with 4 sensors and 6 microphones placed inside the vehicle and by simultaneously generating sounds at the opposite phase.
  • The Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS) is controlled by information supplied through the front camera and navigation system, which helps to create an optimum driving experience.
  • The brand’s signature Crest Grille is converted into an ‘aerodynamic crest’ sporting an inverted G-Matrix design. The charging flap is placed in the grille’s upper right corner. Dual chrome lines have been applied as a design highlight.
  • The Genesis G80 EV comes with a solar roof for increased efficiency.
  • It uses aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics to reduce body weight while enhancing rigidity.
  • Sustainable materials, wood, PET, nylon, and natural dyes are used in areas like the seat fabric, console, and rear armrests.
  • Exclusive color options for the Genesis Electrified G80 are Matira Blue (exterior) and the Dark Green Two-tone (interior)

Source: YouTube/Asian Petrolhead

Battery pack & motor

The Genesis G80 electric has an 87.2 kWh battery pack that allows a range of up to 427 km based on the South Korean test cycle. Two motors powering each axle enable four-wheel drive and allow the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds in sports mode.

Genesis G80 EV interior
The interior of the Electrified G80 looks very much like that of its thermal-engined counterpart. The one major difference is that the insides use more recycled materials. Another difference is the digital gauges, which are specific to the electric version. Image: Genesis

Both motors individually generate 136 kW (185 PS) and 350 Nm, and they give a combined maximum power and combined maximum torque of 272 kW (370 PS) and 700 Nm, respectively. The car is equipped with a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS), which means minimized power loss and the flexibility to switch between 2WD and AWD drivetrain layouts.

AspectGenesis Electrified G80 Specification
Drivetrain LayoutAWD
Length5,005 mm
Width1,925 mm
Height1,475 mm
Wheelbase3,010 mm
No. of MotorsTwo (front and rear)
Front Motor Power 136 kW (185 PS)
Rear Motor Power350 Nm
Front Motor Torque136 kW (185 PS)
Rear Motor Torque350 Nm
Total Motor Power272 kW (370 PS)
Total Motor Torque750 Nm
Battery Pack Capacity87.2 kWh
Combined Power Consumption4.3 km/kWh
Combined Range427 km (265 mi)
Genesis G80 ‘Electrified’ variant S.Korean market specifications.

Solar roof

The Genesis G80 EV’s solar roof can produce 730 Wh of electricity on an average per day in optimal condition. At this rate, charging for 5.8 hours per day (based on South Korea’s average daily sunshine), a Genesis G80 electric fitted with 19-inch wheels and equipped with a solar roof can secure an additional driving range of up to 1,150 km.

In a decade, the solar roof could gradually shift from a lifestyle statement to a more practical solution that recharges the car’s primary battery and prevent discharge accidents. Given the limitations in the technology, the least a Genesis G80 EV driver can expect from the roof cells is assistance to the vehicle’s auxiliary electrical systems like the cabin lights, air conditioner, and the black box camera.

Genesis G80 EV side
The Genesis Electrified G80 features a unique faux front grille that highlights its eco-friendliness and encloses the charging lid. Image Source: Genesis

Holds on to 95% of its range in -7 degrees Celsius

A test conducted in South Korea has revealed that the Genesis Electrified G80’s battery was able to maintain 95% of its range in extremely cold temperatures, according to an ET News report dated February 9, 2022. Electric vehicle batteries tend to lose mileage faster in cold winters and this is where modern battery insulation technologies come into play.

At -7 degrees Celsius, the G80’s range dropped from 433 km to just 411 km. Out of the 15 vehicles tested for range in winter temperatures, the G80 fared the best. For perspective, the Bolt EV lost 141 km range, from 414 km to 273 km in the same test.

The G80’s excellent result comes in the wake of the S.Korean government’s decision to incentivize efficient EVs that manage to retain 65-70% range at low temperatures. The standard will be raised in phases. 2023 onwards, EVs will have to retain 65-75% range in winter climates to qualify for the subsidy. 2024 onwards, only EVs that have 70-80% of maximum range in cold temperatures will benefit from the subsidy.

Features

In South Korea, the Genesis Electrified G80 comes in a single fully-loaded trim. Full LED lighting, 19-inch Turbine spoke-type wheels, double-glazed soundproof glass, and heated mirrors are standard. The solar roof is an optional feature costing KRW 1,400,000 (about EUR 1,028).

Interior highlights include 14.5 -inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 17-speaker Lexicon speaker sound system, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, heating, ventilation, memory function, natural leather upholstery, regenerative braking control paddle shifters, and 8-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Genesis Electrified G80 has 17% more body rigidity than the regular Genesis G80. It has ten airbags, including a front centre side airbag, to reduce the injuries from a collision between the driver and front passenger. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Highway Driving Assist are some other main standard safety features.

Price & Global Launch

Genesis G80 electric EV front three quarters
The G80 EV is what Genesis terms ‘Derivative EV’ that connotes repurposed IC-engined vehicles. Image Source: Genesis

In the S.Korean market, the Genesis Electrified G80 costs KRW 88,190,000, which converts to EUR 64,725. The biggest advantage the Genesis G80 enjoys over other luxury EVs is that its base price falls below the KRW 90 million-upper limit, making the car eligible for government subsidies.

The Genesis Electrified G80 will start reaching major EV markets this year. In the UK, Genesis entered in May 2021 and said that the product line-up will see the addition of “three all-electric within the first year.” The three EVs it’s talking about are the Electrified G80, GV60, and Electrified GV70. The U.S. launch will occur this year, Claudia Marquez, COO, Genesis Motor North America, confirmed to MotorTrend in December 2021. The chief rivals of the Electrified G80 are the Tesla Model S and the Mercedes EQE, but some competition may come from the Nio ET7 in the world market.

Market response to the Genesis G80 EV

The Genesis Electrified G80 has managed to make a fairly big splash in the domestic market at launch, selling more than 2,000 units in one month, BusinessKorea reported in August 2021. Imported brands have dominated the luxury EV market, and the 2,000 units ordered in the first three weeks made the G80 the best-selling luxury EV in South Korea initially. For context, the Porsche sold 912 units of the Taycan, Mercedes EQC 400 managed 337 units in sales, 126 units of the Audi e-tron were sold, and Jaguar sold 22 units of the I-Pace. Tesla, as well, also sold just 18 units of the Model S and 20 units of the Model X.

Hyundai Motor Group hasn’t revealed the annual sales figure of the Genesis Electrified G80. It has released the combined sales figure of the electric and gasoline G80 models for 2021 – 59,463 units.

Featured Image Source: Genesis