Hyundai Is Launching Its Own Dedicated EV Platform
There is some pretty big news coming out of Hyundai this week. Just yesterday the auto manufacturer announced that it’s launching its very own Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. Unveiled during an ‘E-GMP Digital Discovery’ event, Hyundai says this all-new platform will serve as the core technology for its next-generation BEV line-up.
Hyundai unveiled its new Electric-Global Modular Platform
Beginning in 2021, Hyundai says the new E-GMP will underpin both its and Kia’s electric future. Designed exclusively for BEVs, the automaker says that its all-new electric platform provides various advantages compared to its existing platforms, which have been geared mostly toward internal combustion engines. According to Hyundai, E-GMP will give the automaker increased development flexibility. Car shoppers will also benefit from “powerful driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space for occupants and luggage.”
“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” said Albert Biermann, the President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “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.”
“E-GMP is the culmination of years of research and development and brings together our most cutting-edge technologies. Our BEV line-up will evolve and be strengthened by this innovative new platform,” added Fayez Abdul Rahman, the Senior Vice President of Vehicle Architecture Development Center for the Hyundai Motor Group.
Its platform will enable even more fast-charging too
Hyundai says this all-new BEV platform will enable even more fast-charging too. “Most existing EVs and the fast-charging infrastructure provide 50kWh~150kWh charging for EVs equipped with a 400V system; however, the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350kWh charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging,” the automaker explained.
Overall, the automaker says E-GMP offers 800V charging capability as standard while also enabling 400V charging. Owners won’t need additional components or adapters either. Hyundai says that a BEV based on E-GMP will be able to charge up to 80% in 18 minutes. It can add up to 100km of driving range in five minutes too.
Hyundai plans to sell more than 1 million BEVs worldwide by 2025
There’s no denying that Hyundai is pulling out all the stops to prepare for what it calls the “era of electrification.” Kia, which is owned by Hyundai, launched its first mass-produced BEV in Korea way back when in 2011. The Kia Soul EV has also been sold in global markets since 2014. Now, with the introduction of its E-GMP, Hyundai is planning to introduce a total of 23 BEV models, which will also include 11 dedicated BEV models. The automaker also has the lofty goal of selling more than 1 million BEVs worldwide by 2025.
Fortunately, Hyundai is already on its way to selling those 1 million BEVs worldwide. Earlier this year, it launched its dedicated ‘IONIQ’ BEV brand as part of its BEV vision. To date, IONIQ’s lineup includes three dedicated BEV models, the IONIQ 5, 6, and 7. The first vehicle to hit dealerships will be the Hyundai IONIQ 5, but so far, we’ve only seen it in concept form.
