HYUNDAI’S FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLATFORM

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One of the key components in automobile development is a platform, the framework of a car. As demands for electric vehicle grow, the Hyundai Motor Group developed the country’s first electric vehicle platform. As a result, the recharging system was upgraded so that a mere 5-minute recharging could enable a vehicle to travel up to 100 kilometers.

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The batteries in a locally made electric vehicle were made in a complex configuration to fit the underside of an automobile. It was difficult to install batteries in the wide and flat frame space of vehicles with a motor car platform. This is why, Hyundai Motor created a platform made exclusively for EVs. Batteries are placed in rows under the vehicle floor. More batteries can be easily added and the interior is roomier. The anterior of the driver seat has also become more spacious as the engine and transmission are removed. The 800 volt recharging system enables an electric car to travel 100 kilometers with only five minutes of charging and over 500 kilometers on a full charge. Hyundai plans to unveil next year a wide selection of sedan and SUV models built on this platform.

[Soundbite] JUNG JIN-HWAN(DIR., ELECTRIFICATION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP) : "We plan to introduce 23 electric vehicle models by 2025 and annually sell more than 1 million EVs worldwide."

Tesla currently leads the global electric vehicle market. Experts believe one of Tesla's keys to success is the use of a platform dedicated to electric cars. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and GM have all introduced their own EV platforms recently. They all realized the importance of having an exclusive platform. Now a Korean automaker jumps into the competition. The key is how fast Hyundai's 800-volt charging facilities can be expanded. South Korea's premier automaker say the new electric engine can be charged with a conventional 400-volt recharger. New 800-volt charging stations will be set up at 20 locations.