SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated rear-wheel drive battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. It will serve as the core technology for Hyundai’s lineup of next-generation EVs, such as Hyundai Motor Co.’s IONIQ 5, 6 and 7.
The E-GMP will underpin Hyundai Motor Group’s plans to introduce 23 EV models and sell more than more than 1 million vehicles worldwide by 2025.
“E-GMP is the culmination of years of research and development, and brings together our most cutting-edge technologies,” says Fayez Abdul Rahman, senior vice president of vehicle architecture development at Hyundai. “Our BEV line-up will evolve and be strengthened by this innovative new platform.
“[It] reduces complexity through modularization and standardization, allowing rapid and flexible development of products that can be used across most vehicle segments, such as crossovers, sedans and sport utility vehicles,” explains Rahman. “Moreover, flexible development can satisfy various customer needs for vehicle performance.
“E-GMP will be highly effective in expanding [our] EV leadership position, as it will enable the company to enlarge its line-up over a relatively short period through modularization and standardization,” claims Rahman.
According to Rahman, Hyundai’s new platform is engineered to offer improved cornering performance and driving stability at high speed. “This is due to optimal weight distribution between front and rear, a design which enables a low center of gravity thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, and the adoption of electric motors located in the space previously occupied by an engine,” he points out.
“The high-speed electric motor raises the driving performance of E-GMP vehicles,” notes Rahman. “A five-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for mid- and large-sized vehicle segments, and the world’s first integrated drive axle, which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft to transmit power to the wheels, enhance ride comfort and handling stability.
“The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel,” adds Rahman. “Hot-stamped steel components surround this structure for additional rigidity. Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently thanks to energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths and a central section of the battery pack tightly bound to the vehicle body.
“Moreover, by strengthening the structure of the load support section, located in front of the dashboard, engineers have been able to minimize collision energy to the power electric system and battery,” says Rahman. “The A-pillar’s load distribution structure also prevents deformation of the passenger cell.”
Rahman claims that the E-GMP architecture maximizes interior space through its long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and slim cockpit module. “With the battery pack mounted beneath the floor, the E-GMP creates a flat floor for the cabin,” he explains. “This provides more legroom for passengers, while enabling various arrangements for the front and rear seats.
“The battery pack itself—mounted between the front and rear wheel axles—will be the most power-dense system that [we have] ever created,” says Rahman. “This is partly thanks to its enhanced cooling performance, a result of a new separate cooling block structure which helps make the battery pack more compact. With energy density enhanced by around 10 percent compared to existing EV battery technology, the battery packs are lighter, can be mounted lower in the body and liberate more cabin space.
“The E-GMP’s power electric system consists of a powerful motor, EV transmission and inverter,” adds Rahman. “These three components are integrated into a single compact module. This ensures powerful performance by raising the motor’s maximum speed by up to 70 percent compared to existing motors. The high-speed motor is smaller than other motors, while providing comparable performance, and it gives efficiencies in both space and weight.”
