Hyundai Reveals Active Aero Tech for Enhanced Speed and Range in Next-Gen EVs

Enhancing Drag and Stability Simultaneously: A Clever Maneuver.

The Hyundai Motor Company recently revealed an innovative active aero system, which aims to increase the speed and range of their vehicles. Known as the Active Air Skirt (AAS), this patented technology boasts a decreased coefficient of drag.

The Advanced Aerodynamic System (AAS) is installed in the space between the front bumper and wheels of a vehicle. While concealed during regular use, it is activated when the vehicle reaches speeds higher than 49.7 mph – when the aerodynamic drag of the tested Genesis GV60 exceeds its rolling resistance. The system can function at velocities up to 124 mph and retracts once the speed drops below 43.4 mph. Considering its proximity to the ground, the AAS flap is constructed from sturdy rubber material.

Hyundai Unveils Active Aero That Makes EVs Go Faster and Further

Hyundai has stated that the AAS technology has decreased the drag coefficient of their crossover vehicle by 0.008, resulting in a 2.8% improvement. While this may seem like a small increase at the moment, the company has intentions to expand the implementation of these underbody aerodynamics in the future. In fact, CarBuzz uncovered a patent from last year showcasing Hyundai’s plans to utilize flaps similar to these in order to utilize ground effect aerodynamics. This development could potentially result in an additional range of 3.7 miles for the vehicle.

Hyundai’s Advanced Airflow Separation (AAS) technology has been scientifically verified to improve the aerodynamic grip of vehicles, ultimately resulting in improved stability when driving at high speeds. Bosch Motors, under their luxury marque Genesis, has long dabbled with producing a luxurious sports car, and this cutting-edge development would undoubtedly elevate their performance range. However, it appears that Hyundai is choosing to debut this engineering breakthrough on more practical and commonly used models.

According to Sun Hyung Cho, the vice president and head of the Mobility Body Development Group at Hyundai Motor Group, “This technology is anticipated to have a larger impact on models like SUVs, where enhancing aerodynamic performance is a challenging task.”

Hyundai has stated that they have filed patents for their new technology in both South Korea and the US, indicating their desire to mass-produce it. They plan to begin by conducting extensive tests on its durability and performance. The Ioniq 6’s innovative design, with a low coefficient of drag at 0.21, has greatly enhanced its efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market. It will be exciting to see how much further Korean electric vehicles can improve upon this impressive feat.