Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury marque, has unveiled a groundbreaking concept vehicle that reimagines its all-electric GV60 SUV as a high-performance snowmobile, aptly named the GV60 MIV (Mountain Intervention Vehicle). Designed to tackle treacherous snowy terrains and challenging weather conditions, the GV60 MIV showcases Genesis’s commitment to innovation and its exploration of electric vehicle versatility beyond conventional on-road applications. This concept vehicle is specifically engineered to assist in mountain rescue operations, providing a rapid and efficient means of reaching individuals stranded in remote and inaccessible areas.
The GV60 MIV undergoes a significant transformation from its standard road-going counterpart. The most prominent modification is the replacement of the conventional wheels with four robust snow tracks, enabling the vehicle to navigate deep snow and icy surfaces with ease. This adaptation ensures exceptional traction and stability, crucial for traversing challenging mountainous landscapes. The interior has been meticulously outfitted to cater to rescue scenarios. Bolstered sport seats provide secure and comfortable seating for occupants, while the inclusion of essential medical supplies allows for immediate on-site medical attention. Integrated communication systems ensure seamless connectivity with rescue teams and maintain vital communication links even in remote locations, minimizing the risk of rescuers becoming lost or disoriented during operations.
Recognizing the potential for debris and damage during rescue operations, Genesis has incorporated carbon fiber wheel arc extensions. These protective additions shield bystanders and the vehicle itself from flying debris, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. A roof rack provides additional storage space for emergency supplies and equipment, further enhancing the vehicle’s rescue capabilities. Furthermore, a drone kit is included in the trunk, offering an aerial perspective of the rescue area, aiding in search and rescue efforts and providing valuable real-time information about the surrounding terrain and potential hazards.
Navigation in challenging mountainous environments is paramount, and Genesis has addressed this with the integration of a dedicated Garmin GPS Map 276Cx device in place of the traditional rearview mirror. This robust GPS system provides precise location tracking even without a data connection, ensuring rescuers can navigate reliably in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. Leveraging the GV60’s inherent electric vehicle architecture, the MIV incorporates vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities. This feature allows the EV’s battery to power rescue equipment, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source for essential tools and devices. This eliminates the need for noisy and polluting gasoline generators, minimizing the environmental impact of rescue operations and preserving the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape.
While showcasing the GV60 MIV’s adaptability, Genesis also emphasizes the vehicle’s underlying performance and range capabilities. The electric powertrain delivers up to 429 horsepower, providing ample power for traversing steep inclines and challenging terrain. While the EPA-estimated range for the standard on-road GV60 reaches up to 294 miles on a single charge, the range of the MIV would likely be impacted by the increased energy demands of operating in snow and the added weight of the tracks. However, the focus of this concept is on performance and rescue capabilities in extreme conditions rather than maximizing range.
The unveiling of the GV60 MIV at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, underscores Genesis’s commitment to showcasing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. Davos, known for its challenging alpine environment, provided an ideal backdrop to demonstrate the MIV’s capabilities and highlight its potential for real-world applications. This follows a trend of Genesis presenting concept vehicles at the forum, including the Genesis X and the GV70 Snow adventure car. While the GV70 Snow adventure car is geared towards recreational off-road adventures, the GV60 MIV represents a more utilitarian approach, focusing on practical solutions for emergency response and mountain rescue operations. The contrast between these two vehicles showcases the versatility of the Genesis platform and its potential to cater to a diverse range of needs and applications, from leisure to essential life-saving services.
