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Tag: Albert Biermann

  • Hyundai Unveils New EV Platform; Vehicles Will Charge Each Other

    Hyundai Unveils New EV Platform; Vehicles Will Charge Each Other

    Hyundai has unveiled its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

    While Hyundai has built a number of hybrid and electric vehicles, these have largely been adaptations of existing designs. As automakers migrate toward all-electric designs, and especially as they compete with fully electric makers like Tesla, dedicated BEVs will be crucial to innovation.

    “Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “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.”

    “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,” said Fayez Abdul Rahman, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Architecture Development Center for Hyundai Motor Group.

    Another significant benefit to Hyundai’s new platform is the ability charge other electric vehicles.

    The E-GMP’s newly developed Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) represents an upgrade from existing On-Board Chargers (OBC), which typically only allow electricity to flow in a single direction from an external power source. The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which can additionally discharge energy from the vehicle battery without additional components. This enables BEV based on the E-GMP to operate other electric machinery (110 / 220V) anywhere. The system can even be used to charge another EV.

    The news marks a significant step forward for Hyundai and Kia’s electric/hybrid plans, and put the companies on solid footing to compete in the new automative age.

  • Hyundai Signs Deal With Canoo For All-Electric Vehicle Platform

    Hyundai Signs Deal With Canoo For All-Electric Vehicle Platform

    Hyundai has signed a deal with electric vehicle startup Canoo to co-develop a platform that will serve as the basis for the automaker’s electric vehicle endeavors.

    The two companies will use Canoo’s existing electric skateboard—the platform upon which an electric vehicle is built, housing the batteries and electric motors—as the basis for a platform the automaker can use for both Hyundai and Kia models. One of the selling points of Canoo’s skateboard is that, in addition to housing the critical components, it is designed around functional integration. In other words, each component fulfills as many functions as possible. This significantly cuts down on the complexity of the skateboard, while also reducing size, weight and cost. Fewer components also mean more cabin space.

    Hyundai had previously committed to investing $87 billion over the next five years to help foster and lay the groundwork for future growth. The deal with Canoo is a big part of that.

    “We were highly impressed by the speed and efficiency in which Canoo developed their innovative EV architecture, making them the perfect engineering partner for us as we transition to become a frontrunner in the future mobility industry,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Research & Development, Hyundai Motor Group. “We will collaborate with Canoo engineers to develop a cost-effective Hyundai platform concept that is autonomous ready and suitable for mass adoption.”

    With automakers racing to move to electric vehicles, Hyundai’s announcement is welcome news from a company that has built a reputation on building quality vehicles at an affordable price point. Hopefully that reputation carries over to their electric vehicles, thanks in no small part to the benefits of Canoo’s skateboard.