In the spring, the Hyundai Group will launch the first completely newly developed electric car. It is the first of a series of 23 battery electric models that Hyundai, Kia and Genesis will launch over the next five years. They range from the C segment to fat touring cars up to five meters long and very fast sports cars. This also includes a new modular electrical platform: E-GMP
The so-called E-GMP platform will have 800 volt battery technology, can charge extremely fast ‘hyper’ – 400 and 800 volts – and there is a choice of ‘standard drive’ (rear) and four-wheel drive. With the latter, the additional front-wheel drive can disengage itself under low load to avoid unnecessary consumption.
That will come in handy with the super sports car model that R&D CEO Albert Biermann announced immediately. As a former motor sportsman, he visibly pleases him the most during the press conference. “Up to 600 horsepower, zero to a hundred in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 260 kilometers per hour. Without shifting… ”
Ioniq 5
The production first is in about four months for the Ioniq 5: it is the first Hyundai developed specifically for electric driving. In this case, Ioniq is the brand name for three models. The Ioniq 5 is the production version of the Hyundai 45 Concept. Follow the Ioniq 6 and 7. In addition, as mentioned, dozens of other models will be coming from the Hyundai Group brands. Incidentally, the current popular models based on a modified combustion engine platform will remain available for the time being. The Ioniq 6 will be the production version of the Hyundai Prophecy Concept.
Ioniq 5 (illustration)
During the virtual presentation and interviews with the specialists in the Namyang R&D department, it is immediately noticeable that although Hyundai roughly follows the course of Volkswagens MEB platform, it goes one step further. The ‘surfboard’ is kept astonishingly ‘flat’ between strikingly large wheels. The battery pack measures no more than thirteen centimeters in height. E-GMP gets an advanced multi-link rear suspension at the back of that package.
The new drive technology itself also looks (and is!) Extremely compact and is largely assembled between the wheels with the axle and bearings with a sort of disappearing trick. This is possible thanks to a very high-revving – 20 thousand rpm – electric motor with oil cooling and a new type of rotor. Bizarre small Almost all the associated technology for the drive is built on the unit. Power? From about 100 hp to about 275 hp.
Efficient in two directions
A new high-tech type of inverter and control technology increases the range by five percent alone, according to Biermann. New lithium-ion battery technology in the modules provides a further ten percent greater energy density. With the most powerful package, Hyundai promises a WLTP range of up to 500 kilometers.
Hyundai goes one step further with the implementation of ‘bi-directional’ electrical technology. If you want, the car can deliver 3.5 kW to your house, the camping spot or, say, a stranded car. After an hour of ‘buddy’ charging, it can drive ten to fifteen kilometers again, Biermann claims. The system is called Integrated Charging Control.