Hyundai Joins Move to Skateboard BEV Platform

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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12th February 2020

Hyundai is joining a lengthening line of automakers looking to skateboard technology to push forward its BEV future plans.

The carmaker has engaged Canoo to jointly develop a platform based on its proprietary skateboard design for upcoming Kia and Hyundai models. Both Citroën and Ford have also looked into the structural advantages of keeping the BEV’s weight at or below axle height.

Canoo, a Los Angeles company, offers a skateboard platform packing as many essential components as possible into one unit. This could reduce the platform’s size, weight and total number of parts which, ultimately, creates more interior cabin space and a more cost-effective BEV offering. In addition, the system is a self-contained unit that can be paired with any cabin design.

As part of Hyundai’s collaboration, Canoo will provide engineering services to help develop a fully scalable, all-electric platform to meet Kia and Hyundai specifications. The automaker expects the platform to help to deliver cost-competitive electrified vehicles, covering a range of vehicle sizes that meet diverse customer needs.

Albert Biermann, head of research and development, Hyundai, said: “We were highly impressed by the speed and efficiency in which Canoo developed their innovative EV architecture, making them the perfect engineering partner for us as we transition to become a frontrunner in the future mobility industry. We will collaborate with Canoo engineers to develop a cost-effective Hyundai platform concept that is autonomous ready and suitable for mass adoption.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_