Hyundai launches world's first contactless car

Hyundai has converted an Ioniq electric model into the world’s first contactless car as part of a charity initiative. The contactless car has five embedded contactless payment points over the car by which people can tap to give money to Cancer Research UK. Hyundai has described it as a “one-of-a-kind” car and says it has no plans to implement contactless technology across its models.

Jaguar already uses a similar system on models, including the F-Pace and the XE, but differs in that it is fuel payment technology which works at Shell garages to allow owners to pay for fuel via their infotainment.

Each donation to the bespoke Ioniq will trigger the car to thank people for their donation with an audio or visual cue, or an electric movement. The number plates will also display a digital total each time someone donates.

The car also features an in-car photo booth which will instantly print photographs that can be stuck on the Ioniq’s exterior. Hyundai said the intention is that the car will be covered in a photographic mosaic showing the faces of those who’ve donated.

The unique car will be revealed at King’s Cross station in May, and will be followed by a roadshow until November throughout the UK, including appearances at Hyundai dealerships.