Hyundai reveals BEV platform

Hyundai has unveiled its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform for its coming 23 BEV models.

BEVs using the platform can have more than 500km range (WLTP) and be charged up to 80% within 18 minutes and it will be used from 2021 starting in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and a Kia BEV to be revealed next year.

Benefits include increased development flexibility, powerful driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space for occupants and luggage, Hyundai says.

A high-performance model based on the E-GMP will accelerate to 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds, with top speed of 260km/h.

The Integrated Power Electric system includes the world’s first multi-charging (400V/800V) and bi-directional power conversion function, while platform modularisation and standardisation enable rapid and flexible development depending on customer needs.

Hyundai aims to sell a million BEV units worldwide by 2025.

The new platform was revealed online during an ‘E-GMP Digital Discovery’ event broadcast through the Hyundai Motor Group’s official YouTube channel and Channel Hyundai, an online global content platform.

“With our rear-wheel driven based E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency,” Hyundai president and research and development division head Albert Biermann says.

E-GMP will enlarge Hyundai’s EV line-up over a relatively short period through modularisation and standardisation, the company says.

It includes a five-link rear suspension system typically used for mid and large sized vehicle segments, and the world’s first integrated drive axle (IDA) which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft to transmit power to the wheels, enhance ride comfort and handling stability.

The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel with hot-stamped steel components surrounding this structure for additional rigidity.

Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently due to energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths, and a central section of the battery pack tightly bound to the vehicle body, Hyundai says.

The battery pack mounted between the front and rear wheel axles will be the most power-dense system that Hyundai has ever created, partly due to its enhanced cooling performance.

Customers will be able to choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive – the latter able to be equipped with an additional motor.

Hyundai says the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350kW/h charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging, with Hyundai investing in European charging network Ionity which operates 308 high-power charging (HPC) stations with up to 350kWh capacity and plans to increase this to 400 HPC stations by 2022, including 51 now under construction.