Hyundai IONIQ 5 'Plug into Freedom' debuts with MIYAVI at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

Hyundai brought one of the show’s most unconventional debuts to Tokyo Auto Salon 2026: the IONIQ 5 "Plug into Freedom" music concept. Developed with world-renowned guitarist MIYAVI, the project reframes the EV as a platform for personal expression rather than just a way to get from A to B.

Music as part of the EV ecosystem

At its core sits a trunk-mounted guitar amplifier tied into the vehicle’s V2L external power supply. The idea is straightforward: the electric car becomes a stage where owners can perform anywhere. Visually, the car is treated like a "living" instrument, borrowing cues from classic amp design. The result feels less like a lab demo and more like a pop-up venue on wheels.

Premiere with MIYAVI

During the press conference, MIYAVI unveiled a new track, "Rock You Crazy," written specifically for the collaboration. He noted that the concept embodies amplification—heightening emotions and the sense of freedom enabled by the EV’s open-ended mobility. A collaboration video also premiered.

Expanding Hyundai’s concept lineup

Alongside the IONIQ 5, the brand presented the INSTER Retro Traveler—a compact, retro-inspired EV focused on style and accessibility. Together, these projects underline Hyundai’s push to rethink how people engage with electric cars and to weave creativity into everyday mobility.