Hyundai Group’s E-GMP Platform Previews Intriguing EV Future
By Edward A. Sanchez – Dec. 4, 2020
Electric cars have gone from fringe novelty to the latest transportation craze seemingly overnight. So the myriad of announcements and releases coming from both startups and established OEMs need to be taken with a grain of salt, and in proper context. But when an OEM of the size and stature of the Hyundai Motor Group (comprising Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) reveals some details of its future EV platform, with production versions coming in as soon as two years, it’s worth a closer look. Therein, in early December, the Hyundai Group revealed more details about its upcoming E-GMP platform, it’s rear-drive oriented chassis intended for premium/performance vehicles.
The Watt Car has driven the Kia Niro EV, and while impressive on paper, the behind-the-wheel experience left us slightly less than impressed. But whereas the Niro was an adaptation of an ICE/hybrid platform, E-GMP is built from the ground up as a dedicated EV platform. The first and most important difference to the Niro EV we drove is that the E-GMP is rear/all-wheel drive, a critical difference that definitely played to the Tesla Model 3’s favor when we drove it back-to-back against the Niro.
Hyundai’s space-efficient design allows for flexibility, which it will need since the company plans to produce some 23 different models by 2025 utilizing the E-GMP.
Beyond the drivetrain arrangement, the E-GMP platform has a lot of other innovative features that bode well for some interesting and exciting variations. Although Hyundai and Kia’s current EV models are near top-of-class when it comes to efficiency (measured by MPGe or Wh/Mi) the E-GMP platform incorporates several features specifically designed to optimize efficiency. The platform features a claimed industry-first integrated drive axle (IDA) that incorporates the wheel bearings with the driveshaft to reduce friction and improve ride and handling. The battery pack, incorporating pouch-style cells, can be packaged based on the specific vehicle and application. A separate cooling block structure allows for greater power density, with a claimed improvement of up to 10% compared to the company’s current high-voltage battery packs.
But before you yawn and nod off, take a gander at these specs: Up to 600 hp, a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, and a potential top speed of more than 160 mph. Not bad, eh? And if you take full advantage of draining those electrons with spirited driving, rest easy in knowing you can go from 5% to 80% state-of-charge in just 18 minutes, and can add 60 miles of range in just five minutes, thanks to an 800V fast-charging system. Similar to the Powerboost system on the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid, the E-GMP platform can support 110/220V charging of other appliances or devices, and supports two-way charging, either car-to-car, or potentially vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Hyundai Group claims the system is powerful enough to power a mid-size air conditioner unit and 55-inch TV for up to 24 hours.
Hyundai’s new electric initiative includes ample new tech that is not only efficient, but also powerful. Expect an E-GMP Hyundai Group vehicle that can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Hyundai claims the first vehicle built on the E-GMP platform will be in production by 2021, with a total of 23 models group-wide by 2025. Among the first out will be the IONIQ 5, 6, and 7 from Hyundai’s newly christened dedicated EV brand. The E-GMP platform also seems like it would be an ideal basis for an electrified Kia Stinger, a model that TWC’s Phil Royle believed would be the perfect candidate for electrification.
While nearly every OEM is playing catch-up with Tesla right now, the Koreans have a proven track record of going from zero-to-hero in just about any consumer product category they decide to compete in, whether it’s in mobile phones, TVs, or cars. It’s certainly worth keeping a close eye on developments from the Hyundai Group in the coming years.
(Images courtesy Hyundai Motor Group)
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