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Tag: Hyundai

  • Ford Is Now the Second-Largest EV Maker

    Ford Is Now the Second-Largest EV Maker

    Ford has moved into second place among electric vehicle (EV) makers, passing Hyundai to take its place behind Tesla.

    Ford has been transitioning to EVs like many automakers in the industry. The company has been aggressively restructuring, laying off thousands to better focus on EV development.

    According to CNBC, Ford’s efforts seem to be paying off with the company selling 53,752 all-electric vehicles in the US through November. This gives the company a 7.4% share of the market, up from 5.7% the previous year.

    While Ford’s move into the second spot is impressive, it’s still a far cry from Tesla, which sold 908,000 EVs worldwide through the third quarter. Nonetheless, the news is promising for Ford and illustrates the challenges Tesla will have maintaining its lead going forward.

  • Hyundia Plans to Build EVs From Georgia Factory in 2024

    Hyundia Plans to Build EVs From Georgia Factory in 2024

    Hyundai broke ground on a new plant near Savannah, Georgia and plans to begin production as soon as 2024.

    Automakers are investing in new factories, as well as re-tasking existing ones, in an effort to ramp up EV production. According to Reuters, Hyundai’s upcoming Georgia plant will build 300,000 vehicles annually.

    Hyundai global chief operating officer Jose Munoz held out the possibility of eventually hitting an even larger annual target.

    “This plant is ready to get up to 500,000 if the demand is there,” Munoz said.

    The news follows an announcement by BMW that it would invest $1.7 billion in US-based EV production.

  • Kia May Manufacture EVs in the US Thanks to Tax Credit

    Kia May Manufacture EVs in the US Thanks to Tax Credit

    Kia may be planning to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in the US as early as 2024, thanks to US tax credits.

    The US has a long history of providing tax credits to consumers that purchase EVs and hybrid vehicles. Kia evidently wants its vehicles to qualify and is willing to move EV production to the US to make that happen.

    According to The EV Officials, citing South Korean newspaper Maeil Business and TV channel SBS, the Korean automaker could move its EV production to the US as early as 2024.

    Kia is already a popular brand in the US, along with its luxury counterpart Hyundai. Moving EV manufacturing to the US could significantly boost the brand’s popularity even more.

  • Hyundai Secures Its Vehicles Systems With Sample Encryption Keys

    Hyundai Secures Its Vehicles Systems With Sample Encryption Keys

    In what may be one of the worst examples of cybersecurity, Hyundai is being called out for using example encryption keys for its security.

    Encryption keys are critical components of modern cryptography. The key used to decrypt sensitive information is supposed to be carefully and closely guarded.

    According to The Register, Hyundai’s programmers seemed to have missed the memo and instead used cryptographic keys found in publicly available programming tutorials.

    A developer, going by the handle “greenluigi1,” discovered he could overwrite Hyundai’s infotainment system with his own software thanks to Hyundai using publicly available crypto keys. Once he discovered them, it was a relatively simple matter trick the system into accepting his software as a valid update.

    The entire situation is a case study in bad programming, not to mention the danger drivers can be exposed to as a result. If a vehicle’s computer system is compromised, there’s no limit to the dangerous scenarios that can result if key parts of the vehicle’s software are replaced with malicious elements.

    As manufacturers create vehicles that are increasingly connected to the rest of the world, they’re going to have to do a much better job securing those vehicles — or Hyundai will need to, at the very least.

  • Hyundai Shutters Engine Development Group to Focus on EVs

    Hyundai has shuttered its internal combustion engine group as the company pivots toward the development of electric vehicles (EVs).

    Like most automakers, Hyundai is racing to transition to EVs. The company announced its battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) a year ago.

    According to The Korea Economic Daily, Hyundai has now shut down its internal combustion engine development group, reassigning the personnel to EV development.

    “Now, it is inevitable to convert into electrification,” said new R&D chief Park Chung-kook in an email to employees. “Our own engine development is a great achievement, but we must change the system to create future innovation based on the great asset from the past.”

    The move will help the Hyundai meet its goals of selling 1 million EVs in 2025, and 1.7 million EVs in 2026.

  • LG May Produce the Apple Car

    LG May Produce the Apple Car

    Apple is reportedly close to striking a manufacturing deal for the rumored Apple Car — with LG as the likely partner.

    Apple has been rumored to be working on the Apple Car, code-named “Project Titan,” for years. The company was close to a deal with Hyundai earlier this year, but the negotiations ultimately broke down.

    One of the likely issues was Hyundai’s loose lips. The company initially confirmed it was in talks with Apple, before realizing that the first rule of working with Apple is: Don’t talk about working with Apple. The car manufacturer quickly issued subsequent statements walking back its initial confirmation, but apparently not in time.

    It appears Apple has found a willing partner in the form of LG, in combination with its partnership with Canada-based Magna International. The two companies’ joint venture is tentatively expected to be called LG Magna e-Powertrain. According to The Korea Times, the venture is “very near” to signing a deal with Apple.

    The most significant part of The Korea Times story, however, is this line: “LG officials declined to comment on the matter.”

    It appears LG is already off to a better start than Hyundai.

  • Motional Taps Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 For Next-Gen Robotaxi

    Motional Taps Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 For Next-Gen Robotaxi

    Driverless tech company Motional has announced it will use Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 for its robotaxi deal with Lyft.

    Motional and Lyft signed “the world’s largest robotaxi deployment partnership.” Beginning in 2023, Lyft customers will be able to book a Motional robotaxi, instead of a traditional Lyft.

    The company, which was founded by Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, plans to use Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 midsize electric crossover.

    The futuristic IONIQ 5 is an all-electric, midsize crossover utility vehicle designed for the passenger experience. With a unique and luxurious living space and a sleek, modern exterior, Motional and Lyft riders will experience their fully autonomous rides in comfort and style. Built on Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 delivers innovation in both mobility and sustainability.

    Motional emphasizes the vehicles it will use are not the consumer version of the IONIQ 5, but ones with its Level 4 autonomous software integrated in. Autonomous driving software is graded from Level 0 to 5, with 5 being completely autonomous vehicles that never require human involvement.

  • Not So Fast: Apple Car Talks With Hyundai and Kia ‘Paused’

    Not So Fast: Apple Car Talks With Hyundai and Kia ‘Paused’

    After a couple of weeks of rumors and speculation about an Apple/Hyundai/Kia partnership to manufacture the Apple Car, it appears talks have stalled.

    The first rule of working with Apple is ‘don’t talk about working with Apple.’ The Cupertino company is notoriously tight-lipped about its projects, especially those that have yet to be announced.

    Unfortunately for Hyundai, the carmaker got its relationship with Apple off to an ignominious start by making a statementthat it was in talks with the company. Hyundai immediately walked back that statement with two subsequent statements, but it may have been too late.

    According to Bloomberg, sources indicate the talks between the companies have been paused, with Hyundai’s loose lips being cited as the likely reason. Another possible issue is which brand the Apple Car would be produced under, Hyundai or Kia, sister brands owned by Hyundai Motor Group. Given Apple’s reputation for making high-end products, it would likely want the Apple Car made by Hyundai, since Hyundai is the upscale, luxury brand. Reports, however, indicate that Kia has been tasked with taking point on Apple’s project.

    It’s unclear whether the talks will resume, or if this is a permanent breakup. Even if it is permanent, however, there’s no shortage of automakers that would jump at the chance to build the Apple Car.

  • Apple Snags Porsche’s Head of Chassis Development

    Apple Snags Porsche’s Head of Chassis Development

    Amid a slew of new rumors and information about the Apple Car, the company has hired Dr. Manfred Harrer, Porsche’s Vice President of Chassis Development.

    Apple’s plans for a car, code-named “Project Titan,” are coming into clearer focus, thanks to reports, rumors and walked-back statements. Hyundai initially released a statement saying it was in talks with Apple to build a car, before walking that statement back in two subsequent ones.

    Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Project Titan will use Hyundai’s E-GMP battery electric vehicle (BEV) chassis, giving the first glimpse at possible specs for the finished product.

    At the same time, Apple’s hardware chief, Dan Riccio, recently was moved to a new project where he will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. For someone of Riccio’s stature within the company to be moved to a new project underscores the importance of that endeavor, as does his reporting directly to Cook, leading some to believe he may be working on Project Titan.

    The latest news from Insider Deutschland, via 9to5Mac, indicates that Apple is moving forward with its hire of Dr. Harrer. Dr. Harrer has spent over a decade at Porsche, and been head of chassis development since 2016. His hiring is particularly interesting, given the rumors that Apple will use Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.

    Apple is well-known for taking a platform and customizing it to meet their specific needs. One has only to look at the iPhone, iPad and Mac to see this in practice. While the processors used in all three devices are loosely based on Arm designs, Apple has a license that allows them to customize them so heavily that it truly has its own, custom silicon.

    One can’t help but wonder if Dr. Harrer was hired with the same goal — to take Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and customize it to better meet Apple’s needs and goals. Just as Apple’s custom silicon consistently out-performs competitors using vanilla Arm designs, a customized E-GMP platform could end up out-performing Hyundai’s standard option.

  • First Apple Car Specs Leaked…And They’re Impressive

    First Apple Car Specs Leaked…And They’re Impressive

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the most reliable Apple prognosticators, has leaked specs for the rumored Apple Car.

    Apple has been working on the Apple Car, code-named “Project Titan,” for years. The project has alternately been rumored to be a full-fledged car, an OEM AI system and an aftermarket AI system that could be integrated with a range of vehicles. Recently, the evidence has consolidated around Project Titan being a full-fledged car, with Hyundai the likely manufacturer.

    Ming-Chi Kuo is well-known in the Apple community for having well-placed sources and a reliable track record regarding his predictions about upcoming Apple products. Kuo has now weighed in on the biggest Apple rumor, providing a possible glimpse of the Apple Car’s specs.

    According to 9to5Mac, Kuo “reiterates recent reports that Hyundai will be the key manufacturing partner for the Apple Car, but goes on to say that the vehicle will use the company’s electric car chassis known as E-GMP.”

    The use of the E-GMP platform is critical, and provides the bulk of the insight. Unlike Hyundai’s existing platforms, the E-GMP is designed exclusively for battery electric vehicles (BEV). In contrast, the company’s existing platforms — even those used in their hybrid vehicles — were designed primarily for internal combustion drivetrains.

    The E-GMP boasts a 300-mile range, fast-charging to 80% capacity in 18 minutes and a top speed of 160 mph, including 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds.

    Kuo’s notes also touch on the manufacturing timeframe:

    We predict that Apple will launch the Apple Car in 2025 at the earliest. The new iPhone takes about 18–24 months from initial specification definition to mass production based on experience. Given the longer development time, higher validation requirements, more complicated supply chain management, and very different sales/after-sales service channels for the automobiles, we believe that Apple, which lacks car building experience, is already on a tight schedule if it wants to launch the Apple Car in 2025.

    As 9to5Mac points out, those specs are for the “the high-performance model” of the E-GMP chassis. At the same time, Apple knows the stakes involved in entering such a competitive market late in the game. Similarly, the company is known for its high-end hardware, and its penchant for improving on the status quo. Therefore, it’s a safe bet the Apple Car will probably offer the very best the E-GMP platform can provide.

  • Hyundai’s Kia Motors Taking Point On Apple Car

    Hyundai’s Kia Motors Taking Point On Apple Car

    Hyundai’s Kia Motors has been tasked with coordinating efforts on the rumored Apple Car, according to reports.

    Hyundai made headlines when it issued a statement saying it was in talks with Apple to build its Apple Car, not realizing the first rule of working with Apple is ‘don’t talk about working with Apple.’ The company quickly realized the error of its ways, issuing follow-up statements that walked back any reference to the Cupertino company.

    Subsequent reports indicated Apple was still working with Hyundai, however, with the two companies moving closer to a deal. According to Reuters, “Hyundai Motor Group, had decided Kia would be in charge of proposed cooperation with Apple on electric cars.”

    In further evidence Hyundai has learned from its early blunder, the company declined to comment when Reuters reached out.

    Should Apple and Hyundai finalize their deal, it will likely be good news for potential customers. Hyundai and Kia have a reputation for manufacturing cars that receive rave reviews while remaining affordable, compared to competitors.

  • Apple and Hyundai Set to Sign Partnership

    Apple and Hyundai Set to Sign Partnership

    New reports indicate Apple and Hyundai are on the verge of signing an agreement to manufacture the Apple Car.

    Hyundai made headlines when it released a statement saying it was in talks with Apple to produce the highly anticipated Apple Car. Hyundai seemed to instantly realized it had breached the number one rule of working with Apple — don’t talk about working with Apple — and quickly walked back its statements.

    It appears that Hyundai’s misstep may not have been a fatal one. According to local newspaper Korea IT News, by way of Reuters, the two companies are preparing to sign a partnership.

    The deal will see Hyundai build the Apple Car at its Kia Motors’ factory in Georgia. Alternately, the two companies may build a new factory with the capacity to produce 100,000 around 2024, the initial rumored production window. Eventually, the new factory could produce up to 400,000 vehicles a year.

    If the reports are true, it would represent a big win for Hyundai and be the most solid information yet on the proposed Apple Car plans.

  • Hyundai In Running to Be Apple Car Manufacturer

    Hyundai In Running to Be Apple Car Manufacturer

    Hyundai is evidently in talks with Apple to manufacture its upcoming Apple Car.

    Apple is well-known for designing blockbuster products but, like many tech companies, it relies on outside companies to manufacture its products. With increasing evidence that Apple is once again moving forward with its Apple Car project, the billion dollar question has been: Who will manufacture it?

    It appears Apple is in talks with Hyundai to be its manufacturer, according to Bloomberg. Interestingly, Hyundai has revised its statement at least a couple of times, removing the reference to Apple that was in the initial statement.

    “We’ve been receiving requests for potential cooperation from various companies regarding development of autonomous EVs,” the latest statement says. “No decisions have been made as discussions are in early stage.”

    Hyundai is apparently getting a crash course in being an Apple partner. The Cupertino company is notorious for maintaining secrecy around its upcoming products. When ATI leaked the existence of the G4 Cube before Steve Jobs could announce it, Jobs famously ordered that ATI’s Radeon cards be pulled from the Cube at the last minute in retribution. In contrast, the automotive industry will often host shows wherein they reveal their upcoming designs that are still several years away.

    Hyundai will need to double down on its secrecy if it wants to be Apple’s long-term partner.

  • Boston Dynamics’ Robots Dance Together

    Boston Dynamics’ Robots Dance Together

    Boston Dynamics’ robots showed some impressive dance skills, with four robots dancing to The Contours’ Do You Love Me.

    Boston Dynamics is one of the leading robotics firms in the world, and has a history of showing off its robots in whimsical ways. In 2018, its SpotMini danced to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk.

    The company’s robots have now upped their game, with four robots, representing three different models, dancing in sync to Do You Love Me.

    Hyundai recently announced it was acquiring a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics. Hyundai is working on non-traditional automobiles, including ones that switch from wheels to walking legs for travel over uneven terrain that would otherwise not be traversable, making Boston Robotics a perfect fit.

    With Hyundai’s stake in the robotics firm, who knows, perhaps we’ll one day see dancing cars.

  • Hyundai Acquiring Boston Dynamics Robotics Firm

    Hyundai Acquiring Boston Dynamics Robotics Firm

    Hyundai is acquiring a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, the maker of robotic dog Spot.

    Hyundai will take an 80% stake Boston Dynamics, while existing owner SoftBank will maintain a 20% stake. Hyundai sees the acquisition as an important step toward its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider.

    Boston Dynamics Spot
    Boston Dynamics Spot

    Hyundai has increasingly been innovating beyond the traditional concept of the automobile. The company is investing heavily in its Urban Air Mobility platform, in an effort to make aerial transport and ride-sharing a reality. Similarly, Hyundai and Autodesk are working to create the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle(UMV), a vehicle with legs that can walk to reach areas a traditional vehicle cannot. The latter, in particular, is a concept that bears a striking resemblance to Boston Dynamics’ work.

    Elevate
    Elevate

    We are delighted to have Boston Dynamics, a world leader in mobile robots, join the Hyundai team. This transaction will unite capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics to spearhead innovation in future mobility. The synergies created by our union offer exciting new pathways for our companies to realize our goal – providing free and safe movement and higher plane of life experiences for humanity. We will also contribute to the society by enhancing its safety, security, public health amid global trends of aging society and digital transformation. — Euisun Chung Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group

    Hyundai’s stake in Boston Dynamics should help the company continue innovating as automobile makers look beyond traditional transportation.

  • Uber Looking to Sell Uber Elevate Air Taxi Business

    Uber Looking to Sell Uber Elevate Air Taxi Business

    Uber is in talks to sell its air taxi business, Uber Elevate, to Joby Aviation.

    While Uber is best known for its ride sharing business, the company has also been working toward deploying an air taxi service. Most recently, at CES 2020 in January, Hyundai and Uber announced a partnership to help make aerial ride sharing a reality.

    It now appears that Uber wants out, as it is in talks to sell its Uber Elevate division, according to Axios. The talks are in the advanced stages, and have been confirmed by multiple Axios sources. Joby was already an Elevate partner, making it an ideal option to buy the division.

    It remains to be seen how a possible sale could impact other partnerships, such as with Hyundai.

  • 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 Select’s NVIDIA DRIVE For Infotainment and AI

    Hyundai Select’s NVIDIA DRIVE For Infotainment and AI

    Hyundai has announced it will be using NVIDIA DRIVE for infotainment and artificial intelligence across its entire vehicle lineup.

    Software has become an increasingly important component in the modern automotive industry. Artificial intelligence, autonomous cars, navigation and infotainment all require advanced software and services.

    NVIDIA DRIVE includes a hardware and software stack, combining “audio, video, navigation, connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-based ‘connected car’ services.”

    Hyundai plans to roll out NVIDIA DRIVE across its entire Kia, Hyundai and Genesis lineup, from entry-level cars to its premium models. The software will be deployed beginning in the 2022 model year. One of the main benefits of the system is that it will be perpetually updatable.

    “NVIDIA brought consumer electronic functionality and a graphics-rich user interface to infotainment systems more than a decade ago,” said Ali Kani, Vice President of Autonomous Vehicles at NVIDIA. “Now, we are once again transforming these systems through the power of AI, helping Hyundai Motor Group increase safety and value, along with enhancing customer satisfaction, throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.”

    “At Hyundai Motor Group, we are committed to delivering greater value, safety, functionality and enjoyment over the lifetime of the car,” said Paul Choo, Senior Vice President of Electronics Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group. “The NVIDIA DRIVE platform is proven – it is scalable, energy-efficient and has the performance to support our next generation of software-defined vehicles.”

    The announcement is a big win for NVIDIA as it diversifies its business and establishes itself as a leader in AI computing.

  • Hyundai and Autodesk Creating the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle

    Hyundai and Autodesk Creating the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle

    Hyundai is working together with engineering firm Autodesk to design and create “Elevate,” the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV).

    The UMV was first shown last year at CES, and represents Hyundai’s ongoing efforts to innovate beyond basic car designs. The company is working with Uber to create aerial ridesharing vehicles and is increasing its investment in electric vehicles.

    The Elevate platform is designed to combine automobile and robotics technology to create a vehicle that can go where no traditional vehicle can. The Elevate can drive on standard roads, or elevate itself on robotic arms for walking and climbing.

    Elevate Mammalian Mode
    Elevate Mammalian Mode

    Elevate is aimed at addressing a wide array of situations where traditional vehicles fall short, such as search and rescue, exploration, transport on uneven ground and transportation for mobility impaired individuals.

    Elevate Exploration
    Elevate Exploration

    “When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete,” said John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai CRADLE. “This technology goes well beyond emergency situations – people living with disabilities worldwide that don’t have access to an ADA ramp could hail an autonomous Hyundai Elevate that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll right in – the possibilities are limitless.”

    Elevate Mobility Impaired Transport
    Elevate Mobility Impaired Transport

    Hyundai created New Horizons Studio in Silicon Valley to develop the UMV, and has partnered with Autodesk to make the concept a reality.

    “More than 10 years ago, we identified the pain points, rework required and loss of valuable information when projects move from one phase to the next and the associated files don’t play nicely in the heterogenous environments organizations so often use,” says Srinath Jonnalagadda, vice president of design and manufacturing at Autodesk. “Creating a design and engineering platform that helps remove those hurdles, while also putting advanced capabilities such as generative design tools at the fingertips of designers, has been our North Star for a decade. The Elevate project is a showcase of how leaders like Hyundai can now enjoy the fruits of that vision.”

    While it may look like something straight out of science fiction, it’s unique abilities will likely make it a hit with its target market.

  • Rescale and Hyundai Join Forces On Multi-Cloud High Performance Computing

    Rescale and Hyundai Join Forces On Multi-Cloud High Performance Computing

    Rescale and Hyundai have announced they are collaborating on a multi-cloud, high performance computing (HPC) environment for the mobility industry.

    As with many industries, the mobility industry is turning to the cloud to help with research and development. Relying on cloud-based HPC resources gives companies the ability to scale faster and with fewer limitations.

    “Close collaboration between IT and the field is essential for Hyundai Motor’s digital transformation strategy,” said JungSik Suh, Senior Vice President and Head of ICT Division of Hyundai Motor Group. “We are pleased that the Rescale cloud platform will be the venue for this collaboration, and expect it to increase research efficiency by moving away from the physical limitations of a static on-premise environment.”

    Resale’s platform will help Hyundai develop autonomous vehicles, enhance fuel efficiency, run simulations and test new safety features.

    “As an intelligent control plane for big compute, Rescale enables researchers to collaborate seamlessly, and ensures simulation workloads always run on the most performant architectures from our multi-cloud provider infrastructure network.” said Edward Hsu VP of Product at Rescale. “We are pleased to be working with Hyundai Motor Group to drive unprecedented mobility innovation.”

  • 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.