Hyundai's IONIQ 5: The Super-Efficient Robotaxi Begins Trial

Hyundai’s forthcoming robotaxi service, developed in partnership with Motional, looks set to combine the automaker’s electric vehicle engineering with advanced driverless technology.

The firm's IONIQ 5 robotaxi, an all-electric model built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, is the star of the show, with its ultra-fast charging capability and long-range mobility.

Powered entirely by electricity and equipped for commercial-scale deployment, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi represents a meeting of two transformative waves of technology: autonomy and electrification.

For the project, Motional has developed its end-to-end autonomous driving system using AI and machine learning to create an adaptable, safety-led system capable of operating without human drivers.

This has been central to Hyundai's vision for its driverless fleet.

Laura Major, CEO of Motional, says: “Motional does not place safety behind technological progress.”

Energy-efficient by design

The all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi is produced at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Singapore and includes more than 30 sensors, cameras, radars and lidar units.

This allows the car to deliver 360-degree monitoring and advanced situational awareness, both of which are crucial for optimising energy use through predictive driving.

By integrating multiple redundancy systems, Hyundai has ensured operational efficiency and passenger safety even during extended urban runs.

Woongjun Jang, the former Head of the Autonomous Driving Centre at Hyundai Motor Group and former Chief Strategy Officer at Motional, says: “Hyundai Motor has evolved its IONIQ 5, a battery electric vehicle built on its EV-dedicated platform, into a platform for fully autonomous vehicles.

“For the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi, we have applied various redundancy systems, in addition to a suite of essential technologies to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers.

By successfully integrating the Group’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi with Motional’s autonomous driving technology, we are proud to announce that we have achieved another important milestone on the road to the commercialisation of our robotaxi.”

High-tech, highly sustainable

Formed in 2020 as a joint venture between Aptiv and Hyundai, Motional was created to kickstart greater innovation in the autonomous mobility space.

Its latest system integrates perception, decision-making and control into one cohesive, AI-driven process – reducing computational energy demands and improving operational sustainability.

The system is being refined through staged validation, including simulations and on-road testing, ensuring scalable deployment that aligns with both energy and safety standards.

“We remain focused on accelerating our ability to scale the technology and operations in a sustainable way, from development through the commercialisation stage," explains Laura.

The pilot in Las Vegas

At the end of 2026, the fully electric robotaxi service will be made available to Uber users in Las Vegas, who will be able to request rides in the Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxi.

The partnership signals a major milestone for urban electrification and the growing role of renewable energy-powered transport systems.

Sarfraz Maredia, President of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber, says: “We’re excited to take the next step with Motional as we launch autonomous rides in Las Vegas.

“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to introduce autonomous vehicles in a way that prioritises safety, increases reliability and expands access to more ride options for our customers.”