Hyundai Motor Group is currently developing an EREV vehicle that can travel 125 miles (200 kilometers) on electric power, based on a GV70. This innovative technology, known as Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), will be applied to their premium brand, Genesis GV70. This marks the first time Genesis will release an EREV model, as the brand has previously not had any hybrid models.
Development and Features of GV70 EREV
Hyundai Motor Group is developing the GV70 EREV version at the Hyundai and Kia Namyang Research Institute. EREV vehicles are designed to extend the electric driving range while allowing the battery to be charged by an internal combustion engine.
Although EREVs are fundamentally classified as electric vehicles, they function similarly to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) by using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This dual functionality makes EREVs effectively a type of hybrid vehicle.
Traditional PHEV vehicles typically have a maximum electric driving range of 100 kilometers. In contrast, EREV technology allows for an electric driving range of over 200 kilometers. This significant increase means EREVs can be used primarily as electric vehicles and switch to internal combustion engines when needed, much like a hybrid “half-and-half” solution.
Performance and Efficiency
Standard PHEVs, which generally have a 20kWh battery, can travel around 100 kilometers on electric power alone. EREVs, however, are equipped with batteries exceeding 40kWh, enabling them to achieve approximately 200 kilometers of electric driving. Consequently, the GV70 EREV is projected to offer a total driving range of over 900 kilometers.
PHEVs aim to maximize fuel efficiency by utilizing both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, the limited capacity of their batteries makes long-distance electric driving impractical. EREVs address this issue by operating primarily on electric power, with the internal combustion engine recharging the battery during travel to eliminate the short electric range problem.
Strategic Advantage in the Hybrid Market
Hyundai Motor Group’s proactive development of EREV models is seen as a strategic move to address the short electric driving range of traditional hybrids and gain a competitive edge in the growing hybrid market. As the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles poses significant challenges, EREVs offer a practical alternative to bridge this gap and overcome the “electric vehicle chasm.”
A representative from Hyundai Motor Group stated, “It is difficult to confirm specific details about the development and the particular models involved.”
Conclusion
Hyundai Motor Group’s development of the GV70 EREV represents a significant advancement in hybrid technology, offering an extended electric range and the flexibility of dual power sources. This innovation is poised to enhance the appeal of hybrid vehicles and strengthen Hyundai’s position in the competitive automotive market.
