Weight check developed for light commercial EVs on the move

Hyundai has revealed a system that estimates the gross vehicle weight of a light duty commercial electric vehicle and optimises performance accordingly.

Sensors are used on the move, enabling an accurate estimation of range and to modify the torque output based on gross vehicle weight and also depending on terrain.

The development of the system is a first-ever for the industry, utilising acceleration sensors to optimise the vehicle’s settings based on current gross weight estimate, Hyundai says.

“This technology is being considered by Hyundai Motor Group for use on future light duty electric commercial vehicles.”

It can reduce potential wheel spin and reduced traction when a vehicle is carrying less payload, increasing commercial efficiency.

“Hyundai developed this technology because we realise that we need to take a different approach when it comes to developing electric vehicles for commercial use,” Hyundai eco-technology performance development group leader Chae Mo Yang says. “We are preparing for a future where we will be able to offer commercial EVs that operate at its optimum specifications under any given road condition and regardless of how much payload it is carrying. These vehicles will be very economical to operate.”

Price competitiveness is key to the success of future electric light duty commercial vehicles for small business owners, Hyundai says.

When the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, it automatically informs the driver of the estimated drive range to secure sufficient battery life to reach the destination safely.

Among further developments, Hyundai Motor Group last year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swiss company H2 Energy to establish a joint venture, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, through which it will provide 1000 heavy duty fuel cell electric trucks for five years.