Genesis will be all electric by 2025

The GV60, the first Genesis to be made using the E-GMP design and assembly process, which will be released in the second half of the year. [GENESIS]

All Genesis vehicles will be purely electric starting in 2025, Hyundai Motor's luxury brand announced Thursday.

This is part of the company's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.

The announcement was made through a film called "Futuring Genesis,” which was released to the public via the company's YouTube channel Thursday morning.

“Genesis has been on an intensive, bold and successful journey, successfully establishing itself as a truly global luxury brand,” said Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung. “Genesis is once again at the starting point of another audacious journey — the journey towards a sustainable future.”

Genesis will use a dual electrification strategy involving fuel cell and battery-driven electric vehicles (EVs). Genesis will continue to work on electric technologies such as new hydrogen fuel cell systems with higher power outputs, and electric systems that help improve efficiency.

A total of eight new battery powered and fuel-cell EVs will be introduced by 2030, with a global sales target of 400,000 units per year. Genesis plans to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its supply chain, starting from raw materials and parts and at all work sites and factories.

It also said it will devote itself to building next-generation technology that gets better performance and efficiency from lithium-ion batteries.

“I am extremely excited to announce the new vision of Genesis for a sustainable future,” said Chang Jae-hoon, global head of Genesis. “As we continue to design a new dimension of customer experience and build an authentic relationship with our customers, Genesis will take audacious steps to lead the age of electrification into the sustainable future.”

On Thursday, Genesis introduced the GV60 SUV, the brand’s first product to be manufactured using the E-GMP. The E-GMP is a standardized EV design and production process that incorporates the battery, the base frame, motors, axles, wheels and suspension. Previous EVs were made along the lines of internal combustion engine vehicle design.

The model is expected to be available in the second half of the year.

Genesis also presented various concepts for vehicles in the future in the video including Stage Doors, which refer to doors that open outwards without a B-pillar, and a 360-degree rotating car seat.

“Our new electric lineup is the perfect platform to increase our interface with our customers,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of Genesis. “We aim to interact with all their senses. Our new architecture will integrate audacious technologies with breathtaking designs while providing sincere detail-oriented experiences. Warm and exquisite care will be our differentiator.”

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]