The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has three brands – Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – and between the three, there’s been a non-stop flow of new models and concepts. While the companies present themselves differently and probably operate differently, they also share a lot of hardware and their combined volume obviously gives HMG an edge where costs are concerned, not to mention sharing of R&D resources.
Moving forward, it’s all about electric vehicles (EVs) these days and the brands have a number of models in the pipeline between now and the end of the decade. Some of them have gone on sale, and more will be in showrooms next year and the years to follow.
The Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) developed as a dedicated platform for BEVs which will be used for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models.
In total, Kia has revealed that there will be no less than 10 new full EV (also known as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs) models. It’s not the first time Kia is introducing EVs as it has had electrically-powered variants of models like the Niro and Soul. These, however, have been initially developed as conventional models with combustion engines or hybrid powertrains. So the full advantages of a BEV have not been gained and Kia, like other manufacturers, now has a new BEV range that has been originally developed and engineered only for fully electric powertrains.
Dedicated EV platform for all HMG brands
The group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) is a core element in HMG’s electrification plans. Being modular, it can be used for a variety of model types and the wheelbase can be extended beyond 3 metres. It is engineered to accommodate 2WD and AWD drivetrains. At this time, the range on a full charge is 500+ kms but battery technology is constantly advancing, so that will improve in coming years.
The e-GMP was used for the first time in the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 (a different model from the original Ioniq) launched early this year. Next was the Kia EV6 which was officially launched in August and perhaps in 2022, the EV9 will also use the platform. As the end digit suggests, this future model would be positioned higher up in the range and almost certainly the flagship.
We’ll find out full details and see the full model soon at the global debut of the Concept EV9 in Los Angeles next week. For now, the first official visuals of the concept SUV show another distinctive design with the brand’s EV design language.
Large SUV with ‘smart lounge’
The profile is fairly SUV-like and rather upright, bringing to mind the Telluride (a large SUV mode). The renderings also illustrate a highly conceptual cabin that suggest a light, flexible and adaptive interior space for the occupants on three rows. With a lot of state-of-the-art tech, it is conceived as a ‘smart lounge’ where people won’t just be seated but also entertained and connected.
It’s hard to tell if the futuristic forms in the renderings will be what is also used in the production model. The dashboard has an ultra-wide display and the steering wheel seems to be shaped in a very impractical way. Kia says it is ‘a radical new take on the traditional steering wheel’.
Aiming for 6.6% of global EV market
The EV6 and future EV9 will help Kia achieve its target of 6.6% of the global EV market share and 25% in the eco-friendly car segment. This will mean selling 500,000 EVs annually, which its ‘Plan S’ strategy has set 2026 as the target year.
EV6 is the first Kia model to use the e-GMP and this model is positioned about midway in the EV range that will have models from EV1 to EV9.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and when used as an energy source, it does not generate carbon dioxide which is known to cause negative climate change. It thus has great potential as a zero-emission energy source for a variety of products. For this reason, a number of leading global companies are carrying out R&D to develop processes to produce hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively as well as to make use of it widely.
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is among these companies and has announced its Hydrogen Vision 2040 to popularize hydrogen by 2040 for ‘Everyone, Everything and Everywhere’. Hydrogen Wave represents the group’s plans for a new ‘wave’ of hydrogen-based products and technologies toward a hydrogen society.
“By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all,” said the Chairman of the HMG, Euisun Chung, at the Hyundai Wave global forum online today.
He explained that Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as homes, workplaces and factories. “The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere,” said Mr. Chung. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.”
Electrification of commercial vehicle models
In the context of the auto industry, HMG revealed unprecedented plans that will see the electrification of all new commercial vehicle models – featuring fuel cell electric or battery electric powertrains, as well as the application of fuel cell systems – to all models by 2028. Other future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies include Trailer Drone, a high-performance sportscar, and fuel cell-equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions.
Since the development of its first (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1998, HMG has been preparing for the future of hydrogen. In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to the mass production of FCEVs. Then, in 2018, the company launched the next-generation fuel cell SUV, the NEXO, with the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell, being unveiled last year. After 2 decades of fuel cell technology development, HMG will expand its fuel cell technologies for wider applications of its vehicles, including additional mobility solutions and various energy utilization.
Bringing costs down
Fuel cell systems using hydrogen to generate electricity are not only being used commercially for vehicles today but also have the potential for deployment across diverse applications by 2040. To achieve this, HMG is planning to introduce a new generation fuel cell system in 2023 with a reduced price and volume while also having significantly improved durability and output.
Through ongoing R&D gains, engineering teams have been able to reduce fuel cell costs drastically over the last 20 years. By ensuring price competitiveness, the goal is to achieve a fuel cell vehicle price point comparable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by 2030. Economies of scale of hydrogen production can be realised by continuous technological innovation of fuel cell systems as well as close collaboration with other organizations and governments across diverse business areas.
Next-generation fuel cell systems
HMG has developed a series of new fuel cell systems including a new prototype of its third-generation fuel cell stack. This is a higher-powered, efficiently packaged successor to the NEXO system that is planned for market introduction in 2023. Currently still in development, the third-generation fuel cell stack has 2 power versions – 100 kW and 200 kW.
The 100 kW stack has reduced in size by 30%, making it easier to apply to different vehicle types and applications. The 200 kW version is intended for commercial vehicle applications and is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.
Fuel cell technology for high-performance vehicle applications is showcased with a concept hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid sportscar named the Vision FK. With a maximum output of over 500 kW, the Vision FK concept can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Combining a fuel cell energy converter with a high-power, RWD, plug-in powertrain, the Vision FK aims to achieve over 600 kms in range. The prototype is being developed in partnership with Rimac Automobili of Croatia (which HMG invested around US$90 million in).
High durability stacks for commercial vehicles will achieve 500,000 kms of drive range. Furthermore, the price of the third-generation fuel cell stack will be dramatically reduced – with projections being more than 50% – which will be the key factor to achieving cost parity of FCEVs with BEVs by 2030.
HMG will continue to develop hydrogen mobility, expand the production system of fuel cells and establish infrastructures for a global hydrogen society. “The degree and frequency of environmental disasters is rising fast, and we now face a code red warning for humanity,” said Mr. Chung. “The Group seeks to offer powerful and pragmatic solutions for combatting climate change via the tremendous potential of hydrogen energy.”
HydroVILLE to showcase hydrogen vision
Following the Hydrogen Wave forum, HMG will be presenting its plans for hydrogen energy and a global hydrogen society at its ‘Hydrogen Village’ (HydroVILLE) exhibition in Goyang, Korea, this week. HydroVILLE’s various zones will illustrate the Group’s future hydrogen vision. The exhibition space features several fuel cell concepts for future mobility and power generation, including 18 models from Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Wia and Hyundai Kefico.
While manufacturers are still developing autonomous vehicles for private use, it is likely that the first such vehicles that can operate entirely on their own will be commercial vehicles. These are already in use in closed sites but eventually, driverless vehicles could also be used on public roads to transport people around.
Motional, a US-based company founded as a US$4 billion joint venture between the Hyundai Motor Group and auto supplier Aptiv, has released details of its first commercial vehicle for fully driverless public ride-hailing services starting in 2023. Referred to as a ‘robotaxi’, it’s adapted from the latest Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicle (EV).
The robotaxi is Motional’s fifth platform, its second one to go driverless on public roads. With ongoing evolution and advancement, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi benefits from the knowledge and data gained over 2.4 million kms in varied road environments, and hundreds of thousands of hours of testing and assessment.
Motional has hundreds of thousand of hours of knowledge and data for use in developing autonomous vehicles, especially with regards to detecting other vehicles and road-users.
The zero emissions robotaxi is being designed to have SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle capability, which means it will be able to safely operate without a driver. To be able to operate autonomously with safety, it has more than 30 sensors – a combination of cameras, radars, and Lidar – prominently displayed across the exterior, easily distinguishing the robotaxi from human piloted vehicles.
These sensors provide robust 360-degree perception, high-resolution images, and ultra long-range detection of in diverse driving environments. The robotaxi will be outfitted with Motional’s proven driverless technology, which includes advanced machine learning systems — trained on decades of real-world data — that enables the vehicle to safely navigate challenging and complex driving situations.
The technology-driven design rides on the Hyundai Motor Group’s electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) (shown above) which was developed specifically for battery electric vehicles. The platform offers passengers with a spacious interior that will be comfortable to work in, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.
The interior will also feature a suite of rider-focused interfaces to allow passengers to intuitively interact with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop. The resulting passenger experience is expected to set a new standard for driverless ride-hailing which will be managed by Lyft, the second-largest ride-sharing company in America after Uber. The robotaxi will be displayed at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich in September and services with the vehicle are expected to start in 2023.
In the past year, Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand, has been busy expanding its range, especially with its entry into the European market this year. Soon, the range will be joined by the new GV60, the brand’s first electric vehicle based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated EV platform (E-GMP).
Numbering system of Genesis range
The ‘G’ in GV60 represents ‘Genesis’, while the ‘V’ represents the vehicle’s versatility. The number ‘60’ is the lowest in the Genesis line-up and comes as the brand evolves its model-numbering scheme to fit the design identity of ‘Athletic Elegance.’ Applying a different approach from convention (where smaller numbers refer to smaller size), lower numbers will emphasize athleticism under the scheme, with elegance represented by higher numbers.
Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP for EVs
Sleek, coupe-like design
The exterior design highlights a high-performance image along with a dynamic and smooth appearance, with the front featuring a design optimized exclusively for an electric vehicle. Below the line of flanking Two-Line Quad Lamps is a more athletic Crest Grille. While there is no internal combustion engine to cool, the grille is still used to allow air to blow towards the high-voltage battery pack in the underbody for cooling.
The GV60 will also see a new wing emblem applied to the grille, with the thickness of the emblem reduced by nearly 80% from previous models. It has the same unique Guilloche pattern often seen in luxury watches, a blend of the brand’s analogue sensitivities with high-tech innovations.
In addition, Genesis designers have opted for a ‘Clamshell Hood’ for the first time, a single panel which combines the bonnet and fenders, creating a sleek impression by removing lines between the parts.
The side view shows a smooth and dynamic profile of a high-performance coupe. The silhouette is simple yet sharp, running from the bonnet to the rear spoiler. The spoiler accents the coupe-shaped roof. A chrome line flowing from the windscreen to the top of the Day Light Opening (DLO) window extends to a C pillar-garnish design that embodies the image of ‘electric’, adding a distinctive characteristic to the model.
Shoulder volume is emphasized in the rear fender to create a low and wide profile and further accentuate the image of high-performance by combining it with technical functions such as various sensors, taillights, and rear turn signals at the bottom.
Digital rearview mirrors
The GV60 will not have conventional door mirrors using reflective surfaces. Instead, they will capture the rearward views on either side using a camera and display images on a monitor. The door handles remain flush when not needed, improving aerodynamics, and automatically pop up when the driver approaches the car.
The Crystal Sphere
The interior takes on Genesis’ design ethos of the ‘Beauty of White Space’ to create a spacious and comfortable interior. At the same time, it has embodied differentiated images with its floating architecture and unique details. The most noticeable feature is the Crystal Sphere, a sphere-shaped Shift-By-Wire (SBW) that intuitively informs drivers when the car is ready to drive.
The Crystal Sphere is one of the most compelling design elements of the GV60. When the car’s powertrain is turned off, the Crystal Sphere becomes mood lights, adding to the aesthetic of the driving experience. When readying to drive, it rotates and the SBW display appears, creating an indoor atmosphere of futuristic mobility. The Crystal Sphere can this also provide emotional connection with driver while indicating driving status.
The ‘floating’ console, where the Crystal Sphere is located, works with other design features such as the slim cockpit and flat floor to provide passengers with a maximum level of openness. The ‘crash pad’ in the cabin is designed in a wide and slim shape to augment the pleasant interior, emphasizing a high-tech atmosphere with a wide-screen integrated indicator for audio, video, navigation, telecommunication.
Genesis has not given details of the electric powertrain although it is likely to be shared with recent new EV models like the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6. The launch date is also unknown but the Korean market is likely to get it this year, and shipments to other markets will start in 2022.
Kia’s big push into the EV market and the first part of its transition to the new era of electrification starts this year with the launch of the EV6, the Korean carmaker’s first model that uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). To go on sale from the middle of the year (bookings accepted online in certain markets from today), the EV6 has a crossover SUV style (though it doesn’t really look like one) which is what today’s car-buyers want.
Key to acceptance of BEVs is a long cruising range and short charging times, both of which Kia has addressed. The 800V charging capability enables the EV6 to go from 10% to 80% charge in the battery pack in just 18 minutes. As for range, up to 510 kms is claimed on a full battery pack.
Multiple powertrain configurations
The EV6 will be offered in multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. This is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with 2WD) or AWD options, the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability in even the most challenging conditions.
The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 510 kms on a single charge and with maximum torque of 605 Nm torque available on the AWD version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds. The 77.4 kWh battery pack powers a 168 kW (229 ps) electric motor powering the rear wheels; for AWD models, a 239 kW (325 ps) electric motor powers the front and rear wheels. The 58.0 kWh battery pack is paired with a 125 kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models a 173 kW electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sportscar. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
800V ultra-Fast Charging
The EV6 has 800V and 400V charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on all variations or a top-up charge for 100 kms of driving range in less than 4.5 minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.
The car’s charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs, thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.
With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can still tow items weighing up to 1,600 kgs. Together with the V2L function, EV6 owners can take everything they need on an outdoor adventure with friends and family and do it all with zero emissions.
Energy recuperation
With energy-recuperation technologies driving range can be maximized. This includes Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. This ensures that at 7 degrees C., the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees C.
To accompany the EV6 into the new era is new design language which is guided by the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’. This takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the centre of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future,” explained Karim Habib, the Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre who was previously with BMW and Infiniti.
At the front, Kia’s familiar ‘tiger face’ has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this ‘Digital Tiger Face’, daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheelarches to visually elongate the profile of the car. Designed in part to realize ultimate aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass.
Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.
Versatile and spacious cabin
The interior design benefits greatly from the dedicated E-GMP platform. Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2900 mm wheelbase allows a cabin space similar to many midsize SUVs. One of the most striking elements is a seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen. The simple form language of the wide screen and dashboard give the interior an open feel. Relaxation seats are slim, lightweight and contemporary, and clad in modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics created using recycled plastics – equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles.
The EV6 has intelligent and flexible interior packaging and an abundance of cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of boot space with the second-row seats in place, or approximately 1,300 litres when the seats are folded down. This being an EV, there is also a front boot which offers and additional 52 litres of stowage space for 2WD models and 20 litres for AWD models.
The EV6 also features an augmented reality (AR) head-up display system, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
The latest version of Kia’s innovative connected car system ‘Kia Connect’, previously named UVO, is included, featuring a range of Kia real time services and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, Kia Connect allows users to find locations and pricing of EV charging points, view their vehicle’s charging status, plan smart charging schedules and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.
“EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation, but also products, materials and manufacturing,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO.
Vehicles that can operate autonomously without humans at the wheel to guide them can be very useful, especially in conditions which may be hazardous to humans. For instance, they can be used to enter areas which may be highly contaminated with radiation to perform various activities or carry various types of payload while traveling over challenging terrain. They could even be used on the moon or other planets, like the various machines that have been roaming Mars for years.
Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio, in partnership with Autodesk and Sundberg-Ferar, have developed such a vehicle which they have named TIGER (Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot). It is the company’s second Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) and the first designed to be uncrewed.
The development of the TIGER is being carried out at the studio which has its headquarters in California. The facility was established in late 2020 to develop UMVs drawing on research and innovation leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
“Vehicles like TIGER, and the technologies underpinning it, give us an opportunity to push our imaginations,” said Dr. John Suh, Head of New Horizons Studio. “We are constantly looking at ways to rethink vehicle design and development and re-define the future of transportation and mobility.”
Capability across remote, inaccessible terrain
The TIGER’s exceptional capabilities are designed to function as a mobile scientific exploration platform in extreme, remote locations. Based on a modular platform architecture, its features include a sophisticated leg and wheel locomotion system, 360-degree directional control, and a range of sensors for remote observation.
A large load bay housed within its body means the TIGER can carry goods for delivery, or be deployed to deliver aid packages in emergency situations. Leg-wheel articulation enables it to tackle a range of extreme situations while keeping payloads more level than a typical ground vehicle.
With its legs retracted, the TIGER moves like an all-wheel drive vehicle and is in its most efficient mode because it moves by rolling traction. But when the vehicle gets stuck or needs to travel over terrain that is difficult or impassable for wheels alone, it uses its walking ability to get unstuck or more easily travel over that terrain. This was a feature previously seen in the Elevate, the Korean group’s first-ever UMV concept with moveable legs, which was displayed at the 2019 CES (Consumer Electronic Show).
Like the Elevate, which also had transforming 4 leg-wheel ground vehicle, the TIGER shares similar characteristics such as its legs and wheels. The difference between the Elevate and the TIGER is that, while the former can carry passengers, the latter is uncrewed. Both vehicles blend robotic and wheeled locomotion technologies, allowing them to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.
The vehicle can also connect to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which can fully charge and deliver the TIGER to inaccessible locations.
The first TIGER
The first version is the X-1 (‘X’ for ‘experimental’) and brings together a wide-range of technological and design expertise. It fuses Autodesk’s generative design capabilities with Hyundai’s growing R&D capabilities in mobility. The teams have been working together to create a lightweight but incredibly strong structure, with the legs and certain chassis elements created using carbonfibre composite additive printing.
The New Horizons Studio has been focused on developing technologies to enable concept vehicles such as the TIGER. These technologies include wheel-leg locomotion, high-performance materials and structures, high-performance power systems, chassis and body systems, virtual development and evaluation systems, and human-centered design and systems. Each of these represents significant technical progress that can be applied to any vehicle and will speed the development of advanced mobility solutions.
UMV concepts in development do not rely solely on wheels and are expected to address challenging driving situations – for example, a car with robotic legs could save lives as the first responder in natural disasters; or people without access to a curb ramp could hail a car to walk up to their front door, level itself and allow wheelchairs to roll in.
While still improving and innovating its technologies for models with internal combustion engines, the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is also investing substantially in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology. Such vehicles will grow in numbers in coming years and HMG has been developing core technologies for them.
One of these is the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is specifically for BEVs. The E-GMP is ready to be used and from 2021, the E-GMP will support a range of new BEV models. These include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia’s first dedicated BEV. The platform will be used for as many as 23 BEV models in HMG with the sales target of more than 1 million BEVs worldwide by 2025.
The E-GMP provides various advantages compared to the Group’s existing platforms which have engineering oriented towards internal combustion engines. With a brand new approach that is dedicated to the electrified powertrain, there is increased development flexibility, stronger driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space.
“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” declared Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “With our rear-wheel drive E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency.”
EV variants of the Hyundai Kona (left) and Kia Soul (right) are currently available in some countries.
Maximizing development flexibility
The E-GMP reduces complexity through modularization and standardization, allowing rapid and flexible development of products which can be used across most vehicle segments. Moreover, flexible development can satisfy various customer needs for varying levels of vehicle performance.
The new platform will also enable the company to enlarge its EV line-up over a relatively short period through modularization and standardization. This will satisfy consumer expectations of variety and choices.
Driving performance and safety
With optimal weight distribution between front and rear, a low centre of gravity thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, and the adoption of electric motors, handling can also be enhanced. A 5-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for medium and large vehicles, and the world’s first integrated drive axle enhance ride comfort and handling stability.
The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel. Hot-stamped steel components surround this structure for additional rigidity. Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently by energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths, and a central section of the battery pack tightly bound to the vehicle body.
The battery pack itself – mounted between the front and rear wheel axles – will be the most power-dense system that HMG has ever created. It has enhanced cooling performance with a new separate cooling block structure which helps make the battery pack more compact. With energy density enhanced by around 10% compared to existing EV battery technology, the battery packs are lighter, can be mounted lower in the body, and liberate more cabin space.
From the early 1980s, the industry moved towards front-wheel drive which offered space-saving benefits. The E-GMP, however, will have rear wheel drive although there can also be all-wheel drive (with an additional electric motor).
Charging System
Most existing EVs and the fast-charging infrastructure provide 50 kWh ~ 150 kWh charging for EVs equipped with a 400V system; however, the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350 kWh charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging.
In line with this trend, Hyundai Motor Group has invested in IONITY, Europe’s leading high-power charging network, as a strategic partner and shareholder. IONITY operates 298 high-power charging (HPC) stations – using a charging capacity of up to 350 kWh – along highways in European countries. The company plans to increase this number to 400 HPC stations by 2022, including 53 currently under construction.
The 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.
A BEV using the E-GMP will be capable of a maximum range of over 500 kms with a fully charged battery pack. If the pack is completely empty, it can receive a high-speed recharge up to 80% capacity in 18 minutes; up to 100 kms of driving range can be available with a recharge of just 5 minutes.
There used to be just manual and automatic transmissions, easy enough to differentiate. Then things started to get more varied with the advent of the continuously-variable transmission (CVT), dual-clutch transmission (DCT), Sequential Manual Transmission and others. For motorists, it was still basically manual or automatic, of course, but manufacturers have had a greater choice in the past three decades.
Now joining the list is Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Korean group is one of the few automakers that has invested a lot of money to develop and make its own transmissions, the independent approach justified because it has the vehicle volume. Many manufacturers have relied on transmission specialists to supply to them as transmission development and production can be very capital-intensive.
Smartstream powertrain family
Smartstream is the name of HMG’s global powertrain family which is mainly engines and transmissions. The IVT is one of them and uses the characteristic of high-efficiency CVTs as the foundation and improves the responsiveness and gear-shifting feel.
Theoretically, higher-speed transmissions allow for more efficient use of the engine power. But since the weight and volume also correspondingly increase, increasing the transmission speeds indefinitely isn’t really an option.
The CVT opts for a unique structure to overcome this limitation: as the name suggests, it continuously varies the gear speed to match the RPM that is optimal for the engine power output and efficiency. CVTs have the structure in which two pulleys connected to the engine output shaft and the driveshaft are linked via a belt. The belt contracts and expands to alter the diameter of the pulleys, thus varying the gear ratio.
Drawback of a CVT
But the CVT is not without its drawbacks: the pulleys and the belt often slip against each other. This slippage is particularly visible in metallic belts, where the pulleys apply pressure to the narrow area on the belt’s side to adjust the diameter.
Benefits of the IVT
HMG’s IVT uses a chain belt, the first of its kind in the segment, to address this issue while keeping the benefits of the CVT. The chain belt’s strong point is that it uses the belt tension to adjust the pulley diameter, thus eliminating instances of slippage and improving efficiency in power delivery. The chain belt also has a longer lifespan and is maintenance free, which makes it more reliable.
Additionally, CVTs typically keep the engine revs fixed while increasing the vehicle speed, giving a ‘rubber band feel’. To address this issue, the IVT reproduces the manual transmission’s shifting pattern that better reflects the driver’s intent and driving conditions, making it feel more responsive in general.
Rather than having no set gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also take advantage of the virtual gear speeds generated by the IVT as needed, which do a great job in approximating the fun feel of the manual transmission.
The new Elantra, which should be available in 2021, will have a Smartstream engine and IVT.
Coming in new Elantra next year
The IVT, made by Hyundai Transys, a subsidiary of HMG, is fitted to various HMG Kia and Hyundai models. Malaysians will get to experience it in the new Elantra which will have an 8-speed IVT. The new model will have a Smartstream 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 123 bhp/154 Nm engine and with the IVT, a 4.2% improvement in fuel economy and a 5% to 8% reduction in engine power loss are claimed.
Hyundai Motor Group and NVIDIA have developed the NVIDIA DRIVE ‘connected car’ platform which will be incorporated across all new models from the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands from 2022 onwards.
The technical cooperation with NVIDIA, a well known name in the computer industry, will enable Hyundai Motor Group to develop high-performance ‘connected car’ computing systems for its next-generation models.
In-vehicle infotainment systems
From entry-level to premium vehicles, all future models will have in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems powered by NVIDIA DRIVE as standard. This includes a hardware and software stack, enabling the Korean carmaker’s IVI systems to combine audio, video, navigation, connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-based ‘connected car’ services.
Using the high-performance, energy-efficient NVIDIA DRIVE platform for its future models will allow the three brands to offer customers continuously enhanced in-vehicle AI user experiences. This will see a feature-rich, software-defined AI user experience that is perpetually updateable – and without the owner having to go to a service centre too.
Already in Genesis models
Hyundai Motor Group has been working with NVIDIA for the past 5 years. In fact, the NVIDIA DRIVE platform already underpins the advanced IVI systems found in the Genesis GV80 and G80.
“At Hyundai Motor Group, we are committed to delivering greater value, safety, functionality and enjoyment over the lifetime of the car,” said Paul Choo, Senior Vice-President of Electronics Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group. “The NVIDIA DRIVE platform is proven – it is scalable, energy-efficient and has the performance to support our next generation of software-defined vehicles.”
The companies have also been collaborating on an advanced digital cockpit, due to be launched in late 2021. The relationship will go further with the development of foundations for IVI systems that can support a wide range of future apps and features for all models.
“NVIDIA brought consumer electronic functionality and a graphics-rich user interface to infotainment systems more than a decade ago,” said Ali Kani, Vice-President of Autonomous Vehicles at NVIDIA. “Now, we are once again transforming these systems through the power of AI, helping Hyundai Motor Group increase safety and value, along with enhancing customer satisfaction, throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.”
Creation of new ccOS
The partnership with NVIDIA will enable Hyundai Motor Group to roll out its new ‘connected car operating system’ (ccOS) in future models. Developed in-house by Hyundai Motor Group, the new ccOS will bring together the large amount of data generated by the vehicle and its network of sensors, as well as external connected car data centres, enhancing motoring experiences.
The ccOS will use NVIDIA’s software frameworks to implement core IT competencies. It will provide ‘high-performance computing’, using NVIDIA GPUs to process large amounts of data inside and outside the vehicles and optimize system performance to support advanced IT technologies, such as deep learning.
‘Seamless computing’ will also be possible, providing uninterrupted service regardless of the vehicle’s online or offline state. The vehicle connects with the surrounding infrastructure and smart devices to bring the user experience from external devices into the vehicle environment.
Furthermore, recent breakthroughs in AI and accelerated computing have opened the door for next-generation vehicles to benefit from new functionality, capabilities and enhanced safety features that can be added after the car is purchased. With a centralized, software-defined computer architecture, future vehicles can be updated throughout their lives to feature the latest in advanced digital cockpit technology, as well as other features.
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s premium brand, has a brand new SUV under final stages of development. It has been announced publicly in Korea so that the R&D guys can start running real-world tests on public roads.
QR code on camouflage
However, the vehicle, designated GV70, is camouflaged as the teaser pictures release show. To use the testing exercise to do a bit of promotion, there’s a QR code on the bodywork which leads those who scan it to a web page that explains the camouflage pattern referred to as ‘G-Matrix’.
G-Matrix is inspired by the diffused reflection of light from precision-cut diamonds and is a core part of the Genesis brand identity. Drivers can look forward to the creative application of the pattern on the GV70 in different ways, emphasizing the details that are emblematic of the Genesis brand.
Second of three SUVs
While specific details are presently hidden by the G-Matrix camouflage pattern, the continued evolution of Genesis’ signature “Athletic Elegance” design language is evident. The new midsize SUV will join the GV80 in the model line-up for 2021, after which will come a smaller model (GV60?).
“We are thrilled to share this early sneak preview of our second SUV, the Genesis GV70,” said a Genesis official. “It telegraphs an exciting new design and reinforces the core brand values that run through our line-up. We look forward to sharing full details on GV70 with everyone in the near future.”
Shared platform likely
Given its size and positioning, the GV70, which will challenge SUVs like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, is likely to share architecture with the new Hyundai Tucson. It obviously doesn’t make sense for Genesis to have its own platforms, an approach which manufacturers discarded after the 1980s when it proved more and more expensive to develop a platform. The key nowadays is how many models can be derived off a platform with minimal modifications.
