Hyundai Motor Group Unveils Next-Generation Electric Vehicle Dedicated Platform E-GMP
Three Key Strengths: Performance Improvement, Space Utilization, Cost Reduction
500km Range on a Single Charge, 100km Driving with 5-Minute Charge
Global Auto Industry Platform Competition Accelerates
[Asia Economy Reporters Suyeon Woo, Jihee Kim] Hyundai Motor Group has made a bold move in the next-generation electric vehicle market through the electric vehicle dedicated platform 'E-GMP' unveiled on the 2nd. By introducing a dedicated platform, the group aims to improve vehicle performance, enhance space utilization, reduce costs, and achieve the goal of selling 1 million units globally by 2025 through the launch of a new concept electric vehicle.
The greatest strength of Hyundai-Kia's E-GMP is that it provides a foundation to maximize electric vehicle performance. Electric vehicles based on E-GMP can travel 500 km on a single charge (domestic standard) and can drive 100 km with a 5-minute charge. Tesla's Model Y, which currently holds the longest range among electric vehicles on the market, has a cruising range of 505 km but based on European standards. Applying the more stringent domestic standards compared to Europe, Hyundai-Kia's 'E-GMP' electric vehicles are likely to surpass Tesla in driving range.
Hyundai-Kia is also accelerating the development of high-performance electric vehicles based on E-GMP. The company announced plans to realize high-performance electric vehicles on the new platform with zero to 100 km/h acceleration (zero to sixty) in under 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 260 km/h, and a maximum output of up to 600 horsepower.
Additionally, it is the world's first to apply a 400Vㆍ800V multi-fast charging system to enable use of various charging infrastructure environments. Existing electric vehicles could support both fast and slow charging compatibility, but required expensive separate components installed inside the vehicle. Hyundai-Kia utilized the drive motor and inverter to enable compatible charging without separate parts, enhancing stability and reducing component costs.
E-GMP has dramatically improved the utilization of interior space in electric vehicles. By placing the battery flat on the vehicle floor, a spacious interior was secured, and by eliminating the engine and transmission space previously located at the front of the vehicle, the wheelbase, which determines interior space, was lengthened. This allows for various exterior and interior designs and seat arrangements.
Recently, global automakers have entered the electric vehicle platform competition to improve profitability. By modularizing and standardizing dedicated platforms and sharing parts, processes become simpler and production efficiency increases. As a result, various classes and types of electric vehicles can be launched within a short period. The industry expects that the introduction of dedicated electric vehicle platforms can reduce costs by 5 to 7%.
Electric vehicle specialist Tesla has already introduced a dedicated platform and is enjoying cost reduction effects, and Volkswagen, which has recently pursued an aggressive electrification strategy, launched the ID.3 electric vehicle with the dedicated platform (MEB) for the first time in September this year. Following this, Hyundai-Kia will launch the first electric vehicle equipped with E-GMP, the Ioniq 5, in early next year.
With Hyundai-Kia's introduction of E-GMP, the global electric vehicle market is expected to form a three-power structure among Tesla, Volkswagen, and Hyundai-Kia. This is already confirmed in this year's electric vehicle sales figures. According to SNE Research, Hyundai-Kia ranked 4th in global electric vehicle market sales up to September this year, competing with Renault-Nissan in 3rd place behind 1st Tesla and 2nd Volkswagen.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to increase the number of electric vehicle models to more than 23 by 2025 and establish a system to sell 1 million electric vehicles globally through the introduction of E-GMP. Albert Biermann, Head of Research and Development at Hyundai Motor Group, said, "Through the world-class electric vehicle dedicated platform E-GMP, we will further expand our technological leadership to new vehicle classes that require dynamic driving performance in addition to the existing excellent efficiency."
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