With the Kona Electric, Hyundai has made its presence known in the Indian EV segment, but the Hyundai E-GMP platform is stepping up things to another level altogether. Hyundai has just announced its plans for a clean, electrified future with the introduction of a new platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles for India. The Hyundai E-GMP platform showcases the carmaker’s commitment to preparing itself for a future without combustion engines and moving to electric mobility. With the E-GMP platform, Hyundai promises to cater to the mass market and entry-level premium segments by offering eight BEVs in India by 2028. Additionally, the Korean carmaker aims to increase the acceptance of EVs in India by working on an electric vehicle infrastructure focusing on home chargers, public charging stations, and roadside assistance.
The Hyundai E-GMP platform showcases a wide range of possibilities, starting with the variable wheelbase composition which will enable the carmaker to spawn several models off of this same platform, which means we will get to see electric hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs underpinned by the E-GMP platform. The platform is primarily rear-wheel drive, with the motor placed at the rear axle and the battery pack located between the front and rear axles. However, the Hyundai E-GMP platform will also offer all-wheel drive via the addition of a second motor on the front axle, depending on the model. The electric motor, transmission, and inverter have all been packed into a single unit to improve space and weight.
Internationally, the Hyundai E-GMP offers bi-directional charging, along with 200V normal charging, 400V fast charging, and 800V ultra-fast charging. The last bit is interesting because that can provide 100km worth of electric juice in just 5 minutes, while a 0-80 per cent charge will only take 18 minutes. It remains to be seen whether we will receive similar specs or not. The India-spec models are likely to come with a 77.4kWh battery pack, and Hyundai says that cars underpinned by the E-GMP platform will be capable of reaching speeds upto 260kmph.
S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Hyundai has been at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution in India, with the introduction of India’s first Electric SUV - Kona Electric in 2019. Hyundai Motor India has been delighting customers with the most innovative and technologically advanced mobility solutions over the last two and a half decades. As we continue to redefine the mobility space, today we are yet again showcasing our commitment towards Indian customers with the announcement of expanding our BEV line-up to six vehicles for the Indian Market by 2028. At Hyundai, we are taking experiences Beyond Mobility and are strongly focusing on Intelligent Technology, Sustainability and Innovation. Keeping in line with this thought, we will introduce our dedicated BEV Platform – E-GMP as well as modified platforms for battery electric vehicles in India. By driving the adoption of electric mobility at scale in India, Hyundai will become the fulcrum for transformation of a brighter and better tomorrow.”
With Hyundai preparing itself for an electric future, we can’t help but actually imagine what a futuristic electric Santro, or an electric Creta would look like. Maybe they’re already up to something?
Hyundai’s global ambitions for a green, emissions-free future with a focus on sustainable mobility are already well-known to the public — click here and here to read more about the carmaker’s green plans.