Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has unveiled its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform that will serve as the core technology for a next-generation BEV line-up. From 2021, the E-GMP will underpin a range of dedicated new BEVs, including Hyundai’s Ioniq 5; Kia’s first dedicated BEV, to be revealed in 2021; and a series of other models.
As a platform tailored for BEVs, E-GMP has advantages compared to HMG’s existing platforms, which have each been engineered predominantly for ICEs. Benefits of E-GMP include increased development flexibility, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space for occupants and luggage.
A high-speed electric motor raises the driving performance of E-GMP vehicles. A five-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for mid and large sized vehicle segments, and the world’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA), which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft to transmit power to the wheels, enhance ride comfort and handling stability.
E-GMP is engineered to offer improved cornering performance and driving stability at high speed. This is due to optimal weight distribution between front and rear, a design which enables a low centre of gravity thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, and the adoption of electric motors located in the space previously occupied by an engine.
“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 for Hyundai Motor Group.
The E-GMP reduces complexity through modularisation and standardisation, allowing rapid and flexible development of products which can be used across most vehicle segments, such as sedans, SUVs and CUVs. The flexible development capability is intended to satisfy various customer needs for vehicle performance, including a high-performance model that will accelerate from zero to 100kph in less than 3.5 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 260km/h.
“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, SVP of the Vehicle Architecture Development Center at Hyundai Motor Group.
The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel, with hot-stamped steel components surrounding this structure for additional rigidity. Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently thanks to 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.
By strengthening the structure of the load support section, located in front of the dashboard, engineers have been able to minimise collision energy to the power electric system and battery, while the A-pillar’s load distribution structure also prevents deformation of the passenger cell.
The battery pack, which is mounted between the front and rear axles, will be the most power-dense system that HMG has ever created, enabled by enhanced cooling performance, the result of 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.
E-GMP relies on the rear wheel for propulsion. Customers will be able to choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations; models with the latter can be equipped with an additional motor. The all-wheel drive system includes an EV transmission disconnector, which can control the connection between the additional motor and front wheels, and switch between two-wheel and all-wheel drive modes to enhance efficiency by offering the ideal level of power or performance for current driving conditions.
The E-GMP will underpin HMG’s plans to introduce 23 BEV models, including 11 dedicated BEV models, and to sell more than one million BEVs worldwide by 2025.
