Hyundai and Kia this week unveiled a brand new aerodynamic aspect geared toward bettering EV vary.
Dubbed the Energetic Air Skirt, it is basically a flap that deploys in entrance of a automobile’s entrance wheels at sure speeds to scale back aerodynamic drag. Whereas particular manufacturing plans weren’t mentioned, Hyundai and Kia consider the skirt could possibly be useful in bettering the aerodynamic efficiency of SUVs, or EVs with wider wheels.
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Genesis GV60 with Energetic Air Skirt
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The skirt deploys at speeds above 80 kph (49 mph) and is designed for pace as much as 200 kph (124 mph), in response to a Hyundai press launch. It retracts at 70 kph (43 mph); the hole between deployment and stowage speeds is supposed to stop frequent motion at intermediate speeds. Designed for Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the skirts solely cowl the tires as a result of the platform permits for a flat ground, Hyundai mentioned.
Hyundai and Kia examined the skirts on a Genesis GV60 electrical crossover from Hyundai’s luxurious model. The automakers declare to have seen a 2.8% discount within the coefficient of drag (Cd), which Hyundai mentioned could possibly be value 3.7 miles of extra vary. The automaker additionally claims elevated downforce, bettering stability and traction at increased speeds.
Hyundai and Kia have utilized for patents on the Energetic Air Skirt in each South Korea and the U.S. Mass manufacturing will likely be thought-about pending sturdiness and efficiency exams.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
That is yet one more instance of how the EV age has rekindled an obsession with aerodynamics first seen almost a century in the past, one other being Hyundai’s personal Ioniq 6 sedan, which sports activities a formidable Cd of simply 0.21.
The Volkswagen ID.7 sedan follows the Ioniq 6 in emphasizing aero, whereas Mercedes-Benz’s Imaginative and prescient EQXX idea reveals that with upcoming EVs, it is also aiming to emphasise aero much more—and lower weight.
Aerodynamics are additionally being emphasised by startups like Aehra and Lightyear, in addition to Aptera, with its 3-wheeler.