Genesis, a marque synonymous with luxury, is poised to redefine the high-end SUV segment with its groundbreaking GV90, an all-electric vehicle featuring an advanced coach door system. Recent patent disclosures provide an in-depth understanding of how these sophisticated doors will operate. This innovative design, initially showcased on the Neolun concept, is confirmed for the production model, promising an unparalleled experience in vehicle ingress and egress. The GV90 is slated for a mid-2026 launch, manufactured at Hyundai's Ulsan facility in South Korea, and will leverage Hyundai's cutting-edge eM platform, promising substantial improvements in driving range and integrating state-of-the-art technology, connectivity, and autonomous driving capabilities.
Genesis GV90's Revolutionary Coach Door Mechanism Detailed in Latest Patent Submissions
In a significant revelation on August 22, 2025, new patent documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office have illuminated the intricate workings of the coach door system for Genesis's forthcoming luxury electric SUV, the GV90. This highly anticipated feature, which first captivated audiences at the New York Auto Show in March with the unveiling of the full-size Neolun concept, is now confirmed for the production vehicle, dispelling earlier concerns about its transition from concept to reality.
The GV90, previously sighted with these distinctive doors on a car carrier in South Korea earlier this year, and more recently in California sporting rear-mounted hinges, is poised to offer an unmatched level of luxury and convenience. The patents, specifically titled 'Cinching Device For Door Latches in Vehicle' and 'Door Latch Device for Vehicles,' meticulously describe the operation. Unlike conventional vehicle doors that rely on the B-pillar for structural support, this novel system incorporates a door striker on the lower side, enabling a seamless hinge-like motion, with the device directly attached to the door itself. Furthermore, Genesis has engineered a unique cinching mechanism that can manage multiple units through a singular device, a testament to their commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive design by enabling production-feasible B-pillarless coach doors.
While the coach doors are confirmed for the GV90, they are anticipated to be an exclusive feature, with other variants expected to retain traditional door handles, as observed during testing phases in both the US and South Korea. This strategic offering aligns with Genesis's vision for a flagship SUV that integrates luxury, advanced technology, and environmental consciousness, setting a new benchmark in the electric vehicle landscape.
The introduction of such an advanced coach door system by Genesis marks a pivotal moment in automotive design and engineering. From a reporter's perspective, this development underscores a bold commitment to innovation and luxury, challenging established norms in vehicle architecture. It prompts reflection on how luxury car manufacturers are increasingly differentiating their products not just through performance or interior opulence, but through unique and functional design elements that enhance the user experience. The GV90's coach doors are more than just a stylistic choice; they represent a significant engineering feat that promises enhanced accessibility and a grander sense of arrival. This move could inspire other premium brands to explore similar unconventional solutions, pushing the entire industry towards more creative and user-centric designs. It also highlights the growing convergence of aesthetic appeal and practical innovation in the high-stakes electric vehicle market.
A new electric vehicle enterprise, Slate Auto, which has secured backing from figures like Jeff Bezos, has recently made a significant acquisition of talent. The company has successfully onboarded a leading manufacturing expert from Tesla, a move intended to spearhead the establishment of its electric pickup truck production plant located in Indiana. This strategic recruitment highlights Slate Auto's aggressive approach to building its manufacturing capabilities and signals its ambition to become a formidable competitor in the burgeoning EV sector.
Napoleon Reyes, a former US Marine and Purdue mechanical engineering alumnus, brings a wealth of experience to Slate Auto. His career trajectory includes stints at Subaru and Wabash before joining Tesla's manufacturing division in 2020. At Tesla, Reyes played a pivotal role in scaling up Model Y production, quickly advancing to lead its General Assembly in Fremont by 2022. He continued to oversee critical aspects of vehicle manufacturing, including the launch of the Model Y refresh assembly line, before making the decision to transition to Slate Auto as Senior Manager of Plant Vehicle Engineering. His departure from Tesla, after nearly five years, marks a significant gain for Slate Auto, as they leverage his extensive expertise in large-scale EV manufacturing.
Slate Auto recently emerged from its developmental phase, showcasing a revolutionary modular two-seat electric pickup truck designed for affordability and customization. The company has already secured over $700 million through investment rounds, indicating strong financial backing and a clear path towards mass production. Their strategy includes converting a former printing facility in Warsaw, Indiana, into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, assembling a team that combines seasoned professionals from traditional automotive industries with former Tesla engineers and leaders, including Rich Schmidt, an early manufacturing director from Tesla.
The strategic hiring of experienced leaders like Napoleon Reyes by burgeoning companies such as Slate Auto underscores a dynamic and evolving landscape within the electric vehicle industry. This movement of top-tier talent from established innovators to ambitious startups reflects a collective drive towards a sustainable future, where expertise and vision converge to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation. It exemplifies how dedication and ingenuity in one's field can contribute to broader positive changes, inspiring progress and fostering competition that ultimately benefits consumers and the environment alike.
Nio, the Chinese luxury electric vehicle manufacturer known for its pioneering battery-swapping technology, has unveiled a significantly upgraded version of its flagship six-seater SUV, the ES8. This new iteration promises a more opulent experience at a substantially reduced cost, particularly for those utilizing Nio's battery-as-a-service (BaaS) program.
While the exterior aesthetic of the ES8 largely retains its familiar silhouette, subtle yet impactful structural enhancements have been implemented. The vehicle is now approximately seven inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.49-inch extension in the wheelbase, contributing to improved interior space and stability. A notable addition is the inclusion of a front trunk, a practical feature absent in previous models. Beneath the surface, a new 900-volt electrical architecture supports Nio's signature swappable battery units, allowing customers to purchase the vehicle at a lower initial price by opting for a monthly battery lease. This leasing option drives the ES8's starting price down to a remarkable $43,000, presenting a substantial discount compared to the older model's $58,000 entry point with the same program. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the ES8 as a formidable competitor, even undercutting the new six-seater Tesla Model Y L in the Chinese market.
The interior of the updated ES8 showcases a dramatic transformation, drawing inspiration from Nio's high-end ET9 sedan. The previous portrait-oriented infotainment display has been replaced with a large, tablet-style screen, enhancing usability and modern appeal. A slim information display spans the dashboard between the driver and passenger, offering real-time data such as weather, speed, and media information. The cabin also features the luxurious diamond-quilted seats seen in the ET9, elevating the overall premium feel. This enhanced ES8, initially launched in China, is expected to arrive in European markets in the near future. If European consumers benefit from similar price reductions, the updated ES8 could significantly improve Nio's competitive standing and market penetration globally, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering advanced, accessible luxury electric mobility.
The strategic upgrades to the Nio ES8, particularly its competitive pricing through the battery leasing model, exemplify an innovative approach to making luxury electric vehicles more attainable. This forward-thinking strategy not only challenges established players in the EV market but also paves the way for a more sustainable and accessible future for high-end electric transportation. By offering flexibility and value, Nio is contributing to the broader adoption of electric vehicles, fostering a cleaner and more efficient automotive landscape.