Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial to the range capability of an electric vehicle (EV), and Hyundai and Kia have unveiled a new piece of tech designed to enhance the range of their EVs.
The companies say the Active Air Skirt (AAS) technology minimises the aerodynamic resistance generated during high-speed driving and improves driving range and stability. It does this by controlling the flow of air entering through the lower part of the bumper and controlling the turbulence generated around the vehicle wheels by operating variably according to the vehicle speed.
AAS is installed between the front bumper and the front wheels of the vehicle and is hidden during normal operation, but kicks in at speeds over 80km/h, when the aerodynamic resistance becomes greater than the rolling resistance, and is stored again at 70km/h. Hyundai and Kia say AAS can also operate at speeds over 200km/h.
The companies say they have tested and reduced the drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008 – improving drag by 2.8 percent – by installing AAS in a Genesis GV60, a compact luxury crossover SUV. This is a figure that can expect an additional range improvement of about 6 km.
Hyundai and Kia have applied for related patents in South Korea and the U.S., and plan to consider mass production after durability and performance tests.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2024)
20 February 2024