Charging with 800 volt technology
Hyundai brings the next generation of electric cars to a new platform. It’s smart, powerful and charges as quickly as Porsche.
The basis for the Koreans’ e-offensive is the new E-GMP electrical platform
With the Inoniq 5 launched this year, Hyundai is opening a new chapter in e-mobility
Of the Electricity has to flow. No manufacturer can avoid electromobility. Almost all manufacturers have recognized that a vehicle architecture consistently geared towards electric drives is essential for efficient and economical implementation. Just like internal combustion architectures, it must be modular and easily scalable. At Volkswagen, for example, the platform is called MEB (modular electrification kit). Numerous models are to be created on the platform, the ID.3 and the ID.4 are the first representatives.
The Hyundai Motor Group has presented a similar approach. The Korean group with the brands Hyundai, Kia and Genesis calls the platform E-GMP. The abbreviation stands for Electric-Global-Modular-Platform. In the spring of 2021, the first model will appear on the platform designed exclusively for battery-electric drive. For this purpose, the manufacturer is founding the sub-brand Ioniq, the first model is called Ioniq 5.
The layout of the E-GMP follows the typical architecture for electric cars: battery packs are in the underbody between the axles. Electric motors in different power levels can be used at the front and rear. This is called skateboard architecture.
Electric cars with up to 600 hp and 5 meters in length
The platform can be flexibly adapted to different vehicle sizes. Depending on the length of the wheelbase, more or less battery cells fit into the underbody. Arranged in modules, different ranges can be displayed. Initially, Hyundai wants to achieve ranges of around 500 kilometers.
The drive side is also fully variable. As standard, the E-GMP has an electric motor on the rear axle. An additional motor can be added to the front axle for all-wheel drive versions. According to head of development Albert Biermann, outputs of up to 600 hp can be represented. The Stromer sprints from zero to 100 km / h in less than 3.5 seconds. A maximum of 260 km / h is possible. Clearly: Hyundai is targeting the top models Tesla and Porsche. But this is a niche for the image, for which, similar to the combustion versions, particularly potent N models are intended.
First, Hyundai builds smaller cars. The Ioniq 5, for example, will be a crossover in the so-called C-segment. So a compact SUV, and therefore probably a competitor to the VW ID.4. But the platform can easily carry other body shapes: sedans or vans for shuttle services. Cars up to five meters long with a wheelbase of more than three meters can be moved. This means that Hyundai covers models up to the E or just below the D segment (E class to S-class).
With the Inoniq 5 launched this year, Hyundai is opening a new chapter in e-mobility
Eleven all-electric models by 2025
The Ioniq 5 will be the first E-GMP model to be launched in Germany in May. Kia will also bring an electric crossover model onto the market in 2021, which is currently still doing test rounds as a heavily camouflaged Erlkönig. More SUVs will follow. An electric luxury sedan could follow from the luxury brand Genesis, which we do not officially sell. 11 purely battery-powered models should be available by 2025. Most of them are based on E-GMP, with Hyundai still wanting to offer combustion engine derivatives below the compact class, such as the electric kona or the Kia e-Niro.
In the E-GMP, however, only the latest battery technology with significantly more powerful charging technology can be found. Compared to the current generation, the energy density will initially increase by ten percent. This is achieved through better cooling, among other things. The Koreans combine the drive unit consisting of an electric motor, gearbox and inverter in one compact component.
Charge like at Porsche: 800-volt system
When it comes to charging, Hyundai is the first volume manufacturer to advance in premium dimensions. E-GMP is based on an 800-volt system, as it has been installed in the Porsche Taycan so far and will soon be in the Audi E-Tron GT comes. In contrast to the widespread 400-volt systems, significantly faster charging times can be achieved. Up to 350 kW of charging power can be implemented, Hyundai initially speaks cautiously of 100 kilometers of rechargeable range in five minutes. Nevertheless, E-GMP vehicles are fully compatible with 400-volt charging stations.
To do this, the group relies on bidirectional charging. E-GMP cars can be used as a power source for 110- and 220-volt AC devices, such as a television or toaster. Other electric cars can also be charged. Although the electricity only flows with a few kW, this can be helpful for the last few kilometers to the next fast charging station.
All car manufacturers are working on appropriate solutions or are looking for alliances: The Hyundai Group is open to sharing its E-GMP with other manufacturers. After all, the global demand for electric mobility is great, and the development of high-performance platforms is expensive. For example, VW has found a buyer for the MEB in Ford. At Hyundai Motors, however, a collaboration with Apple should be pending. Rumor has it that Apple plans to invest $ 3.6 billion in Kia so that the brand will build the Apple car from 2024. The Apple car will not only be electric, however. It should also be completely autonomous.
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