Hyundai's Shift from LED Lightbars in EV Design
Hyundai is signaling a departure from a prevalent design feature in the automotive industry: the full-width LED lightbar. Simon Loasby, the head of design for Hyundai, indicated that this trend, which has become almost synonymous with electric vehicles, is approaching its conclusion. The company plans to pivot towards more distinctive design elements, such as its unique pixel lighting, as demonstrated in the IONIQ series and the recently unveiled Concept Three. This strategic shift aims to foster greater visual diversity in vehicle aesthetics, moving beyond a design element that has become increasingly commonplace across various brands and models.
Hyundai Rethinks Dominant EV Aesthetic, Eyes New Design Direction
In a significant declaration at the Munich Motor Show last week, Hyundai's design leader, Simon Loasby, articulated a vision for future automotive aesthetics that moves beyond the widespread use of full-width LED lightbars. Speaking to Car Magazine, Loasby suggested that this design feature, which gained prominence in the early 2000s with Xenon headlights and evolved into the sleek LED strips seen on many modern vehicles, is reaching the end of its design cycle. Despite Hyundai itself having integrated these lightbars into recent models like the Grandeur, Kona, and Sonata, Loasby expressed a desire for change, stating he's "seen enough."
Loasby highlighted that while the initial adoption of such integrated lighting was innovative and cost-effective for a single-piece structure, its necessity varies significantly across different markets. He noted that while it might be a prerequisite in regions like China, it holds less importance in European and US markets. Hyundai's new focus is on cultivating a distinct visual identity through its "pixel lighting" design, already a hallmark of its IONIQ electric vehicle lineup. This unique approach was showcased in the new Concept Three, anticipated to become the production version of the IONIQ 3, which notably eschews the full LED lightbar in favor of the pixelated motif. This initiative comes as some brands, like Fiat with its Grande Panda, have seemingly drawn inspiration from Hyundai's earlier lighting designs, prompting a playful acknowledgment from Loasby. The company's stance suggests a broader industry shift where differentiation in design becomes paramount as electric vehicles become more commonplace.
This move by Hyundai offers a refreshing perspective on automotive design, challenging the notion that all electric vehicles must conform to a singular aesthetic. For too long, the industry has seen a homogenization of design, with the LED lightbar becoming an almost universal signifier of modernity, particularly in EVs. Hyundai's decision to explore alternative, more unique visual cues, like its pixel lighting, is commendable. It suggests a proactive approach to fostering brand identity and offering consumers greater visual variety, moving beyond trends that quickly become ubiquitous. This commitment to distinctiveness could inspire other manufacturers to innovate beyond current norms, ultimately leading to a more diverse and exciting landscape of automotive design. It reminds us that true innovation lies not in simply adopting popular trends, but in daring to create new ones.