Hyundai’s E-GMP electric platform has only just been revealed, but the brand is already working out how to make it faster.
It’s no surprise the brand is working on a high-performance prototype based on its new E-GMP platform, considering former BMW M boss Albert Biermann is head of research and development.
“We are working already on vehicle concepts with high performance and we are also considering Hyundai N high performance cars,” Mr Biermann said.
“We’re preparing for a very emotional battery-electric driving experience in Hyundai but maybe also in Kia, and also in Genesis.”
The prototype is in development and could be ready for a reveal in March or April of next year, though Biermann cautioned the COVID-19 pandemic could interfere with those plans.
The E-GMP’s electric drivetrain will be capable of upwards of 600hp (447kW). Models on this platform will offer either rear- or all-wheel drive.
The new architecture has been developed with rear-wheel drive as the default because even in lower-end models, Hyundai says the electric drivetrain is quite powerful.
“We could’ve presented already a very powerful prototype to you and give you some dragster runs comparing with our competitors, that you can get an idea of how powerful the E-GMP platform it is and how substantial it can be,” said Biermann.
Like Porsche with its Taycan, Hyundai has also put emphasis on preventing battery degradation.
“I wish we could have like a competition where we do like 20 or 30 acceleration runs, and then charging again, that the battery is at 100 per cent again. And I would think that at this point probably nobody could beat us in such a competition,” said Biermann.
Also like the Taycan, E-GMP platform will use an 800V architecture for ultra-rapid charging at up to 350kW. That means an 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes, or up to 100km of range in just five minutes connected to the right kind of charger.
Biermann cited the Veloster N ETCR racer as an example of work the company has already done on a high-performance EV.
The rear-wheel drive racer, with a midship-mounted electric motor, begins racing next year.
The first E-GMP models will debut next year: the Ioniq 5, which will be launched in Europe ahead of other markets, and an unnamed Kia crossover that promises to have a “very powerful version”.
We won’t have to wait too long to get our hands on E-GMP models. The Ioniq 5 will also touch down locally next year, followed by the slinky Ioniq 6 sedan in 2022. A large Ioniq 7 SUV will launch in 2024.
