Hyundai Mobis develops new EV drive system

HYUNDAI MOBIS has completed development of a new Power Electric (PE) system it says is designed as a universal unit that may be used across multiple platforms – and that may be sold to other OEM customers.

Combining the motor, inverter and reduction gear into a single unit, the PE system delivers 160kW and may be coupled with a secondary unit (at the opposing end of a vehicle) to double output to 320kW.

Those figures, says Hyundai Mobis, are sufficient for most electric vehicles currently in mass production, the PE system’s true benefits coming from not only its compact packaging, but an improved power-to-weight ratio.

Hyundai Mobis says the unit is 16 per cent more effective than a traditional multi-component electric driveline while consuming 20 per cent less space.

The PE unit’s extensive use of modular design technology and standardised automotive components reduces both the volume required to accommodate it while at the same time managing production costs.

Further, it is said to offer “new cooling technology” and a restructured, semi-conductor-controlled power module that is more efficient in the way it consumes energy.

The 120kW PE system follows a more powerful 250kW unit produced by the company last year and combines much of the same technology into a unit better suited to smaller vehicles and EVs built for use in emerging markets.

The manufacturer says it has already received “significant” levels of interest from outside OEMs, suggesting the PE system could be ready for mass production as early as this year.

“The model offers advantages in terms of scalability, as it can be applied to various models through a platform-like approach,” explained Hyundai Mobis in a statement.

“This is more efficient than the strategy of developing a new powertrain for each new vehicle launch.

“As the number of electric vehicle models increases, this approach is expected to be advantageous for future mass production.”