Luxury automaker Genesis is introducing new features in its electric vehicles (EVs), including facial recognition technology. The advanced keyless entry system allows GV60 electric SUV owners to start their cars by using only their face, without using a key fob or smartphone. The Face Connect system uses a near-infrared camera in the door pillar and an advanced deep-learning processing controller to allow entry without a physical key. Driver profiles are instantly loaded, including positioning for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and head-up display. Digital Key 2.0 enables GV60 drivers to share access to their EV with up to three users, each having their own profile via a smartphone. In addition, when walking up to their vehicle, Digital Key 2.0 automatically reveals welcome lighting for added visibility at night.
Genesis, which is the luxury division of the South Korean Hyundai Motor Group, is focusing on becoming a 100% zero-emission vehicle brand by 2030, ending new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production from 2025. The automaker launched its first purely electric vehicle, the GV60 electric SUV, in 2021. It followed this up with the Electrified G80 executive sedan and Electrified GV70 last year. The Electrified GV70 is produced in the US, with models starting to roll off the production line earlier this year.
The new 2023 GV60 also features seats that fully recline, an air purification system for its dual climate control system, and ambient lighting. Genesis has refined the seats and materials in the 2023 Electrified G80, alongside an updated Integrated Controller for the infotainment system, allowing for quick and easy access to functions.
Behind the performance of Genesis’ EVs is its EV (E-GMP) platform, which features an 800-V electrical system, vehicle-to-load capabilities, and an efficiency-enhancing disconnector actuator system for AWD.
Genesis is not the only automaker to offer facial recognition technology. In 2019, Tesla introduced Sentry Mode, which allows the company’s electric vehicles to record and send footage using onboard cameras. Sentry Mode uses external cameras to record the vehicle’s surroundings and internal cameras to alert owners if their Tesla is being tampered with. The internal cameras also recognise and record anyone approaching the car.
Although the technology is impressive and provides convenience for drivers, facial recognition and biometric technologies have raised privacy concerns in recent years. Regulatory concerns include the need to ensure data protection, accuracy and prevent discriminatory biases in the technology’s development.
In summary, Genesis’ biometric innovation is another example of the company’s commitment to EV development and efficiency enhancements, which the company hopes will contribute to reaching its goal of being a 100% zero-emission vehicle brand by 2030.
