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Remember the old saying about not appreciating what you have until it’s gone? It seems that many Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners have realized this regarding the absence of a rear windshield wiper. But don’t worry—the solution has arrived from Switzerland!
Hyundai has finally acknowledged the oversight of equipping the Ioniq 5 without a rear wiper, and they are set to include one in the 2025 model. However, what about those early buyers who must endure rain, dirt, and snow building up on their rear windows?
Enter Robert, a Swiss research and development engineer, who has developed a removable rear wiper over the span of three years, specifically for pre-2025 Ioniq 5 models. Available on Kickstarter, the GeckoWiper employs both a vacuum seal and magnet for secure attachment during use and while driving.
This innovative retrofit includes a remote key that can be mounted on the dashboard for easy access. There’s no need for app downloads or extensive tools; the GeckoWiper is truly a plug-and-play solution. When not attached to the rear window, the wiper can be charged with the provided USB-C cable.
There are some considerations to keep in mind. While installation is quick, and the magnetic remote makes it simple to operate, users will need to activate the GeckoWiper repeatedly. It turns on with either a two-second button press or a double-click, resulting in two swipes before going into standby mode. Although it would be better if it stayed on for continuous clearing during heavy rain, the temporary double pass is preferable to having no wiper at all.
The design does have its bulkiness, lacking the sleek appeal of the Ioniq 5. However, those interested in the GeckoWiper likely prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Notably, the device is limited to wiper capabilities and doesn’t include a washer fluid reservoir. Users will still need glass cleaner and a cloth to wipe away dirt. Additionally, the removable design may make the GeckoWiper more vulnerable to theft, but a video demonstration indicates that removing the interior magnet mount could serve as a deterrent.
Currently, the GeckoWiper is designed specifically for the Ioniq 5, but Robert and his team are exploring the possibility of adapting it for other vehicles lacking rear wipers, including the Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, Polestar 2, and the non-Cybertruck Tesla models. There is no update yet regarding compatibility with the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, which share the same design flaw.
The GeckoWiper is priced at approximately 385 Swiss francs (CHF), or around $459 at today’s exchange rate. Early backers could purchase one for CHF 269 ($320), with current reservations available at a discounted price of CHF 369 ($439). The product can be shipped worldwide, with deliveries expected to commence in February.
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