2020 didn’t live up to the hype that most people were anticipating, but it did bring the motor world some exciting news in the electric vehicle realm. In early December, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), also known as The Group, unveiled its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle platform (BEV) for future vehicles. The Group’s battery platform will certainly open the possibility for growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments…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,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
Standardization
While producing the platform is the first step in creating a more sustainable realm for EVs, the next step is standardizing them across the line. With a dedicated BEV platform, the production process for electric vehicles becomes quicker. The Group suspects that the E-GMP will provide enough flexibility to accommodate vehicles across the line including crossovers, SUVs, and sedans. A high-performance version of the same platform is able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, topping out at 160 mph. Not too shabby for an electric vehicle.
Kia Motors, one of the brands operating under The Group’s umbrella, hopes to use the new E-GMP to launch its Plan S Strategy, in an effort to make an impact in the electric vehicle market, with plans to own 20 percent of all BEV sales by 2025, and produce seven BEV dedicated models by 2027. The Group is targeting 23 BEV models, 11 of which will be dedicated BEVs, and selling more than 1 million units worldwide by 2025.
Power in the Motor
Next, we are looking to find an effective and powerful motor. The new E-GMP will be made up of three parts: EV transmission, an inverter, and powerful motor. This recipe creates a desirable compact and powerful module that allows for impressive performance, a hot commodity in today’s growing battery market. The system, when compared to other standard motors on the market, is able to increase a motor’s max speed and overall efficiency by upwards of 70-percent. But what is power if there is no functionality and flexibility.
HMG and Kia will be able to make varied use of the E-GMP throughout their vehicle and drivetrain lineup. While right now the platform relies on rear-wheel drive (RWD) for propulsion, future models are expected to allow all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities that can afford the driver a choice between AWD and RWD whenever. And best of all, charging with no extra attachments needed.
Attachments can be pesky and pricey, but the E-GMP comes standard with an 800V charging capability and 400V fast-charging, or up to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes or 60 mile range in five. Fast and efficient, the language of today and the future. The platform will also use bi-directional charging via the newly developed Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU will enable a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allowing the BEV to transfer charge to other products—all STANDARD.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost priority when creating a powerful module. Sure, claiming BEV supremacy is great, but being able to provide a safe product is even better. Kia Motors plans to treat its future BEVs carrying the E-GMP platform just as it does with the rest of its lineup. Thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, vehicles carrying the platform will have a low center of gravity to mitigate rollover chances and take turns with peace in mind. Accompany that with ultra-high strength steel, hot-stamped steel components, crumple zones, and energy-absorbent sections, the ride provides a rigid structure that will protect passengers from the brunt of the damage. Space, space, space. Thanks to a long wheelbase, rear overhangs, short front, and slim cockpit, vehicles can enjoy increased interior space and comfort with more legroom and interchangeable seating configurations with the flat cabin flooring.
The new E-GMP platform is undoubtedly going to be a gamechanger and aims to reshape the way Kia Motors and The Group approach future BEVs and concepts. With plans to produce over 20 new vehicles, there will be more than enough to look forward to. Want a chance to check out one of Kia’s EVs? Swing by Miami Lakes Automall or contact us about EV models on the lot.
