Hyundai Just Built One of the Best & Unique Retro EV Concepts
The Hyundai Pony EV shows us a glimpse of a high voltage future by tapping into its past.
We have seen a lot of electric and hybrid concepts debut recently. But this one-off restomod by Hyundai really made us stop in our tracks. The Hyundai Pony EV really is like no other. Hyundai recently revealed their Heritage Series Pony EV concept car at an exhibition in South Korea. By going back to their 1970s roots, Hyundai designers unearthed a wealth of inspiration. The resulting custom EV conversion is an ideal balance of retro influence and tomorrow’s technology.
This special creation is currently on display at the “Reflections in Motion” exhibition in South Korea’s Hyundai Motorstudio Busan. A team of designers and builders took a first-generation Hyundai Pony and rebuilt it incorporating an electric platform–and a host of ultra-cool extras.
The Hyundai Pony first came on the scene in 1975 and was retired in 1990. Designed by Italdesign’s Giorgetto Giugiaro, it was introduced as an affordable two-door subcompact hatchback. And it was a huge hit. Hyundai went on to include a four-door, wagon and pickup variant. It became the first mass-produced and exported car, both for the automaker and the country.
By 1982, the Pony entered its second generation and had gone international. Popular throughout Asia, Europe and other markets; it was a top seller in Canada for many years. Although the Pony nameplate was not sold in the U.S., it was offered as its identical cousin, the Hyundai Excel.
The Pony is utterly, deliciously 1970s. And yes, the late-seventies to mid-eighties era of cars are very polarizing among enthusiasts. So it hardly seems that a 45-year-old Hyundai Pony would be a popular or obvious choice to showcase the brand and its technology.
That is just one reason we really love this Pony EV, it is unexpected.
By choosing a mass-produced ’70s hatchback to revive, Hyundai subverted our expectations. And taking a decidedly retro aesthetic choice feels revelatory at a time when modern and futuristic is the EV standard.
Another reason this EV works is how effectively it shows the possibility of electric rides. We might not have to fear an all tame, all crossover future on electric avenue after all. While the Pony restomod represents a new world for EVs, it is still something that we could see people buying. The car is not so esoteric that we couldn’t see many people wanting to buy it tomorrow. Maybe including us.
What really elevates this build are the details. It is sharp in a matte, shimmering silver throughout front to rear part of the vehicle. And the refined hatchback profile is surprisingly cool. It really just radiates fun. Just check out the camera-based, fender-mounted exterior mirrors.
Another brilliant touch is the pixelated LED round headlights and U-shaped taillights LED lights. It just feels so right for the era, but fresher and sharper.
If you weren’t loving it before, the interior might change your mind. It is lush with top-shelf materials, sharp design, and all the creature comforts.
Plus–look at that nixie-tube instrumentation! Yes, they made a speed-gauge instrument panel out of lit vacuum tubes.
While some would prefer we forget many cars of the 1970s and 1980s; we think it is genius. Not only did Hyundai make us see EVs a new way with this in house built restomod, we also looked at a classic with new respect.
Photos: Hyundai; Yang Gu-rum