South Korean automaker Hyundai has released details on its new E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform – which is essentially its equivalent of General Motors‘ BEV3 architecture.
In a statement, Hyundai said its newly announced E-GMP platform will allow it to “reimagine the vehicle interior as a smart living space with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and unique features such as a glove box designed as drawers.” The company also said the “platform paradigm shift” will extend “into the user interfaces that will be simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help occupants feel at ease.”
The automaker also announced its new Ioniq electric vehicle sub-brand this week. The first Ioniq brand model will be a mid-size crossover called the Ioniq 5, which will launch in early 2021. The Ioniq 6 electric sedan will arrive not long after in 2022, followed by the Ioniq 7 large SUV in early 2024. All Ioniq vehicles will feature numeric names, with even numbers used for sedans and odd numbers used for SUVs.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 (left), Ioniq 7 (center) and Ioniq 5 (right) in concept form
Hyundai did not share any specifics with regard to the E-GMP platform, though seeing as though it will underpin everything from a smaller sedan to a large SUV, we imagine the platform will be scalable and will be capable of supporting FWD, RWD and AWD vehicles. Platforms that are designed from the outset to serve in electric vehicles, such as E-GMP and BEV3, offer advantages with regard to properly packaging the batteries and motors over platforms that were intended for ICE vehicles, but modified to support an EV.
GM BEV3 platform
While Hyundai is taking a similar route to GM with regard to its electric vehicle platform, its decision to introduce a dedicated EV sub-brand represents a departure from GM’s strategy. Rather than sell EVs under a new brand, GM has elected to market its EVs under its established Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC brands. It’s worth noting that it is currently not clear if Hyundai will continue to market EVs under the Hyundai/Kia brands after Ioniq is introduced. Current Hyundai and Kia EVs include the Hyundai Ioniq electric, Hyundai Kona electric, Kia Niro EV and Kia Soul EV.
Comments
GM really should not have copied Hyundai with the eCad naming convention. Hyundai has been using Ioniq as a model name since 2016. With a Hyundai Ioniq range and the Cadillac Lyriq, Optiq, etc., there is just too much similarity. Especially considering they are both the electric offerings from their respective companies. Also, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 will arrive in six months but the Cadillac Lyriq won’t show for at least 24 months so the Ioniq name should be much more well known by the time Cadillac’s product launches making it apparent who copied who.
We have to stop thinking of the Lyriq as GM’s only EV. Prior to the Lyriq in the US you’re going to have the updated Bolt EV. Bolt EUV, Hummer EV SUT and possible the Hummer EV SUV as well. None of those have iq in their name.
If they are not using ultium we dont care because one would be nuts to buy a dated bev2 battery platform expecting long term support…so we wait patiently that is until someone else has something just as good earlier. GM get the cars out on the latest tech…or just lease one of the old tech…battery wise until ultium comes out to avoid full worth value drops.
Man, I can remember the day that people ran from KIA and Hyundai, and that was not that long ago. Today, people are running to them.
I love GM, but man, they rank #1 in the use of plastic interiors and outdated interior design. I think they have some good looking vehicles…..until you get inside.