[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Hyundai Kia Motors will launch the first electric vehicle applying the dedicated electric vehicle platform (E-GMP) in the global market next year. While existing electric vehicles applied the same platform as conventional internal combustion engines, the upcoming vehicle will feature a platform specialized for electric vehicles, enhancing space and fuel efficiency.
According to industry sources on the 8th, Hyundai is preparing to launch an electric vehicle with the code name NE, and Kia is preparing to launch an electric vehicle with the code name CV next year. Considering that Hyundai's dedicated electric vehicle NE is scheduled for release early next year, Kia's CV is expected to be launched around June next year.
The vehicle applying the dedicated electric vehicle platform places a high-voltage battery flat under the chassis, which is expected to resolve the inconvenience of narrow rear seat space in existing electric vehicle models.
The electric car concept '45' unveiled by Hyundai at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show / Photo by Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai's NE will be released as an electric vehicle that can be fully charged in 20 minutes and can run over 450 km on a single charge. The design will be based on Hyundai's electric SUV concept car '45,' first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany last September. Hyundai has already confirmed the NE production plant as Ulsan Plant 1 and is expected to start mass production early next year.
Kia's CV, applying the same platform, will be launched in the form of a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that combines the advantages of passenger cars and recreational vehicles (RVs). CV will also be capable of charging within 20 minutes and will be equipped with a high-voltage 800V battery, making it a high-performance electric vehicle with a driving range of 500 km.
The electric crossover vehicle (CUV) concept 'imagine by KIA' unveiled by Kia Motors at the Geneva Motor Show in March last year / Photo by Kia Motors
Last year, Kia made a large-scale investment in the Croatian high-performance electric vehicle company Rimac and is collaborating with them. Kia is also developing an electric vehicle-specific infotainment system through collaboration with the domestic autonomous driving startup Code42.
Recently, Kia's labor and management selected the Hwaseong Plant 3 as the production plant for the CV and are preparing to start production in the first half of next year. Kia plans to leverage the geographical advantage of being close to Pyeongtaek Port to develop the Hwaseong Plant as a forward base for electric vehicle exports.
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