Hyundai Unveils First In-House BEV Platform

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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3rd December 2020

Hyundai has unveiled its first in-house BEV platform to be used across its group brands for future vehicles.

From 2021, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will underpin a range of dedicated new BEVs, including Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Kia’s yet to be revealed first dedicated BEV and a series of other models. This is the first platform not primarily designed around the needs of an ICE powertrain. Claimed benefits include increased development flexibility, powerful driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features and more interior space for occupants and luggage.

Hyundai says the platform’s flexibility of application can be used for a wide range of body types including saloon cars, SUVs and CUVs. Performance models can also be accommodated with one planned able to accelerate from zero to 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds reaching a maximum speed of 161mph.

Chassis features include a five-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for mid and large sized vehicle segments, and the world’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA), which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft to transmit power to the wheels, enhance ride comfort and handling stability. Hot-stamped steel components surround this structure for additional rigidity. There are also energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths, and a central section of the battery pack is tightly bound to the vehicle body.

Most existing EVs and the fast-charging infrastructure provide 50kW~150kW charging for EVs equipped with a 400V system; however, the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350kW charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging. E-GMP offers 800V charging capability as standard and enables 400V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology which operates the motor and the inverter to boost 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.

Hyundai claims the platform is capable of a maximum range of over 310 miles with a fully charged battery, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty vehicle Procedure (WLTP). Moreover, it can high-speed charge up to 80% in just 18 minutes and can add up to 62 miles of driving range in five minutes. The unit also supports bi-directional charging allowing vehicle-to-grid charging such as suppling up to 3.5kW of power enough to operate a mid-sized air conditioner unit and a 55-inch television for up to 24 hours.

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