► A new next-gen platform for Korea’s EVs
► 800v charging, 80% in 18mins, 310-mile range
► 0-62mph in 3.5sec in high-performance models
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has revealed E-GMP, a new platform that’ll form the foundations of its next generation of electric cars. Optimised for EVs from the ground up, the group’s Electric Global Modular Platform has been in development for the past four years – but carries innovations that stretch further back.
It’s effectively the Koreans’ answer to VW Group’s MEB platform and will be used across Hyundai and Kia, two brands which already have an impressive electric offering. HMG is bullish about the advantages the bespoke platform will bring; according to the group’s head of R&D Albert Biermann, the platform will be the basis for at least 11 of 23 EVs on sale by 2025.
‘E-GMP is the culmination of years of research and development and brings together our most cutting-edge technologies,’ said Fayez Abdul Rahman, senior vice president of vehicle architecture development centre for HMG. ‘Our BEV line-up will evolve and be strengthened by this innovative new platform.’
The headline stats
The Hyundai group says the new platform will sit under 11 of 23 EVs to announced before 2025, and it’ll be used in more high-performance battery electric vehicles (BEVs), too. And what’s high performance? Hyundai is targeting 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds with a tidy top speed of 162mph. These modern battery cars don’t hang around…
The E-GMP comes with more mundane – but equally useful – benefits. Alongside the usual improvements in cabin space, the new platform will support a range of up to 500km, or 310 miles, and fast-charging. The latter means 80% of charge within 18 minutes, if you can find the correct charging point.
What’s more, E-GMP cars won’t be tied to 800-volt charging, despite using 800v internals. The E-GMP brings multi-charging, a world-first technology that uses the motor and invertor to double the voltage from 400v charge points before charging the battery. And unlike other systems, no extra components or adaptors are needed.
Hyundai’s new platform can also slot into a larger sustainable energy solution, thanks to its ability to give as well as take charge. The E-GMP has the ability to act as a store for a solar panel or other energy source during the day, and then release that energy from the car’s battery to the house in peak hours.
Give me more tech
The E-GMP platform includes a motor, EV transmission and invertor, with all three components redesigned to fit the smallest footprint possible. The motor is smaller than before, and it spins up to 70% faster than the group’s current tech. Silicon carbide is also used in the invertor, which stretches range 5% more than current materials, says HMG.
The new architecture is rear-wheel drive, though like many EVs the E-GMP will offer an all-wheel drive solution. Four-wheel drive variants take an additional front motor, and the E-GMP also deploys a disconnector that can disengage them the front axle, or switch between two- and all-wheel drive for performance or efficiency.
E-GMP cars can also accommodate a five-link rear suspension system and the platform contains another world first – its integrated drive axle, which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft for a better ride. HMG says this is the first to be mass produced.
What’s it going in and where’s it going to be built?
This’ll power half of the group’s electric cars by the middle of the decade, and therefore play a major part in Hyundai Motor Group’s target to sell 1 million EVs worldwide by 2025.
The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be one of the first cars to get the new platform, and HMG says all E-GMP cars will initially be built in Korea.
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