Newsroom



• HMGICS donates a locally made IONIQ 5 to SUTD, giving students hands-on experience with production-level EV technology 
• The IONIQ 5 will support student projects in sustainable mobility and Design AI — an approach where artificial intelligence works alongside humans as a creative partner — enabling students to develop electrified powertrains and smart, human-centric vehicle systems that improve lives and shape Singapore’s mobility future. 
• This collaboration will develop Singapore’s next generation of engineers and designers, advancing the nation’s future mobility ecosystem

Singapore, 9 October 2025 - Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) has donated an IONIQ 5 electric vehicle to the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to support educational and research initiatives.

This initiative is part of HMGICS’ corporate social responsibility program, first launched in August 2024, and reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to growing with Singapore. By providing students with hands-on access to advanced automotive technology through the IONIQ 5 and various donated components, HMGICS aims to cultivate the country’s next generation of engineering and design talent, equipping future innovators with practical skills in sustainable mobility.

“At HMGICS, we believe the future of mobility is shaped by the talent and creativity of the next generation,” said Dr. Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “By giving SUTD students direct access to a global award-winning IONIQ 5, produced right here in Singapore, we bridge classroom learning with real-world innovation. This collaboration is especially meaningful as it not only empowers young engineers and designers to explore, experiment, and create solutions, but also highlights Singapore’s growing role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility at home and beyond.”

The IONIQ 5 is the first fully electric vehicle produced locally in Singapore at HMGICS, the nation’s first and only electric vehicle manufacturing facility. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) with 800V electrical architecture, it delivers fast-charging capability, long-range performance, and advanced energy efficiency. The vehicle has previously won World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with production-level EV technology recognized internationally for innovation, performance, and design.

The IONIQ 5 will support the next phase of SUTD’s Project EVAM (Electric Vehicle by Additive Manufacturing), an ambitious student-led initiative launched in late 2020 to design and build a full-sized electric sports car from scratch. Unlike the first EVAM vehicle, which featured a Formula One–inspired design and driving experience, the next car is closer to a production vehicle in size and performance, giving students hands-on experience with a platform more representative of real-world EVs. Project EVAM began with 15 undergraduates across SUTD programmes, guided by faculty advisors and industry sponsors, and has since grown to involve around 50 students.

SUTD Provost, and Chief Academic & Innovation Officer, Professor Chee Yeow Meng is thankful for the donation. He said, “On behalf of SUTD, I would like to thank HMGICS for the generous donation of the IONIQ 5. Having the IONIQ 5 on our campus provides our students with the rare opportunity of interacting directly with production-level EV technology. It enriches their hands-on experience and gives them the freedom to exercise their creativity, engineering, and Design AI capabilities, preparing them to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving mobility industry.”

In addition to supporting the development of the next phase of Project EVAM, the IONIQ 5 donation also enables SUTD’s first automotive Capstone project, giving students the opportunity to work hands-on with a production-level EV for the first time. Students from diverse fields, such as engineering, product design, and materials science, will collaborate on innovative projects:

• Electrified Powertrain Integration for Sustainable Urban Mobility: Repurposing the IONIQ 5’s powertrain components to develop lightweight, efficient propulsion systems and optimize energy management for urban traffic.
  
  
• Sustainable Interior Design Lab Using Eco-Friendly Materials: Experimenting with bio-based and recycled materials to create sustainable, durable, and aesthetically appealing components.
  
  
• Smart Cabin Atmosphere Control System: Designing adaptive lighting and dynamic climate control systems that respond to cabin conditions — a human-centric approach that optimizes energy use while elevating passenger comfort and well-being.

Beyond these Capstone projects, longer-term initiatives include:

• Adapting the IONIQ 5’s chassis components to design a modular, lightweight chassis tailored for Project EVAM 2.0.
• Repurposing the IONIQ 5’s battery pack and management system to create a research platform dedicated to extending battery life and enhancing energy efficiency.
• Developing an AI-based platform for predictive maintenance and performance optimization.
  
  These initiatives allow students to engage in hands-on, multidisciplinary projects that mirror real-world industry challenges, equipping them with skills essential for careers in electric mobility and related technologies while fostering a culture of innovation in Singapore.

“Getting to work on the IONIQ 5 is something I never imagined I’d do as a student,” said Goh Qian Zhe, a fourth-year SUTD Engineering Product Development student. “It’s not just learning from textbooks — we’re actually rebuilding the donated car and pushing our own ideas of what future mobility could look like.”

HMGICS’ engagement with SUTD underscores the Group’s philosophy of not merely operating in Singapore but also growing alongside it. By investing in long-term partnerships with educators, students, and the local community, HMGICS contributes to Singapore’s emergence as a leading hub for advanced mobility, technology, and innovation.