Hyundai Unveils Plans for “Hyundai Home”
December 1, 2021
According to CleanTechnica – a U.S.-based website dedicated to aggregating news in clean technology, sustainable energy, and electric vehicles – automaker Hyundai USA is in the midst of rolling out a home energy line that will be available in early 2022.
The Hyundai Home energy ecosystem consists of co-branded solar panels with embedded microinverters, home energy storage units, and home EV chargers. A Hyundai energy management app and dedicated website will reportedly keep owners informed on how their ecosystem is performing. Naturally, Hyundai’s latest line of IONIQ EVs will be part of the ecosystem.
According to Hyundai’s website, the company is purchasing solar panels with built-in microinverters as well as available energy storage systems. Hyundai Home’s Energy Storage System will store the panels’ excess electricity for future use — such as nights, peak usage hours, and blackouts. [Microinverters enable solar panels to operate independently even if one of them is partially in the shade.]
The home EV charger will be a 240-volt (Level 2) charger that reportedly can charge up to 3 to 7 times faster than a conventional 110-volt outlet. Just as with the solar panels, the charger involves partnership with another company. “We are offering a co-branded in-home car charging unit with flexible amperage that allows the driver to select the charging speed that is right for them and their home,” the Hyundai Home page stated. Interestingly, the company will not be selling the charger bundled in with the EV as its competitors do, opting instead to have the consumer buy the charger separately through the dealership or on the Hyundai Home website.
Overall, Hyundai Home describes its goal as “simplifying the [energy] process” for consumers: “Through our ‘one-stop-shop’ energy ecosystem, we are doing the legwork for the customer.” According to Hyundai, those benefits include: Information on going solar/electric; soliciting estimates and connecting with local installers; access to (through partnerships) leading brands ensuring top-rated quality products and service; access to a personal energy advisor/concierge to answer questions and make expert recommendations; post-purchase customer care and product warranty.
Promising a “personalized purchase process” with “ongoing/consistent touch points throughout the customer’s EV journey,” the Hyundai Home experience intends to supersede that of competitors already in the market.
Hyundai expects to begin selling its Hyundai Home system in early 2022 at select dealerships.
