Hyundai’s new patent points to an upcoming off-road electric SUV

This one isn't about home energy upgrades, but here's what's happening. Hyundai has filed a design patent that appears to preview an off-road electric SUV, closely resembling the Boulder Concept the automaker showed earlier this year at the New York Auto Show. The patent, filed in India by Hyundai and Kia, shows the same boxy shape, oversized tires, and coach-style doors as the concept, but with a mostly closed-off front grille and slimmer LED headlights. The closed grille is one clue that this version could be a fully electric vehicle, since EVs don't need as much airflow to cool an engine.

The Boulder Concept itself is meant as a preview of Hyundai's first body-on-frame vehicle for the US market, though that first model will actually be a midsize pickup truck rather than an SUV. Hyundai hasn't confirmed powertrain details yet, but the pickup is expected to ride on a platform offering fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range electric versions. The pickup is part of a larger plan to launch 36 new vehicles in North America by 2030.

There's no word yet on when, or if, a production version of the off-road SUV shown in the patent will actually reach dealers. For homeowners, this is simply industry news about upcoming vehicle designs, not a program or purchase decision with immediate relevance to your house or energy bills.