Hyundai and Kia are developing an innovative feature that will allow drivers to adjust key settings of their car using a smartphone.
The tech will provide the most benefits to drivers sharing their cars, either with family and partners, or with the rising number of city-based car sharing services.
Using the application, drivers can adjust seven major performance features. These include altering the maximum torque output of the electric motor, acceleration and deceleration abilities, regenerative braking, maximum speed limit, responsiveness and the climate control.
The technology will work by drivers downloading their profile from the server, which can then be used in any Hyundai Group EV they’re driving. Their information is protected by blockchain technology, which uses complex algorithms to encrypt data.
Drivers can also try out other users’ settings for themselves, and receive recommended profiles from the car itself – based on factors such as the condition of the roads and location.
The tech is only set to feature on EVs and not petrol and diesel models, because changing the settings of zero-emission models to improve performance doesn’t change the carbon footprint, the firm has said.
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JeongSoo Eo, a researcher at the Hyundai Motor Group, said: “As Hyundai Motor Group is planning to deploy 44 eco-friendly models by year 2025, including 23 electric vehicles, we see the potential of technologies and services inherent in non-combustion vehicles.
“By developing mobility technology such as this, we will continue to strive to improve user experience for electric vehicles customised to individual preferences.”
While there is no word on when the tech will be implemented, the Group has said that it is expected to be installed in future electric cars from Hyundai and Kia.
