Hyundai Mobis has expanded its electrification portfolio with the successful development of a new 160-kilowatt Power Electric (PE) system designed for general-purpose electric vehicles, further strengthening its EV component capabilities. The latest development follows the company’s previously introduced high-performance 250-kilowatt PE system and is another step in building a comprehensive electric drive system lineup for diverse mobility applications.
Hyundai Mobis also announced plans to complete the development of a compact 120-kilowatt PE system for small mobility vehicles during the first half of this year. With the addition of the new systems, the company aims to offer scalable electrification solutions covering the full spectrum of electric vehicle segments.
The expanded lineup is expected to enhance Hyundai Mobis’ competitiveness in the global electrification components market, while supporting the growing demand for efficient and versatile EV powertrain technologies in markets around the world.
While Hyundai Mobis previously handled mass production of PE systems based on customer orders, it has now secured the design technology for each auto component of the PE system through in-house R&D and is unveiling its own drive models. The PE system is a core auto component equivalent to the powertrain of an internal combustion engine and includes a motor, inverter and reduction gears.
During the development of its proprietary PE system model, Hyundai Mobis focused on standardizing key auto components and modularizing them. These include the stator, inverter, and power module for the drive motor, which is a bundle of power semiconductors.
This system-level standard model offers benefits in terms of scalability, as it can be applied to different vehicle models through a platform-like approach. 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 beneficial for mass production in the future. This method differs from the traditional approach used by global automakers, where they collaborated with individual automotive suppliers to develop component technologies and assemble PE systems.
Hyundai Mobis plans to actively offer the PE system thus developed to its global customers. It is reported that some foreign customers have already shown great interest in it. While Hyundai Mobis has previously received orders for battery systems from global customers, this development allows the company to expand its electrification portfolio in the powertrain sector. The company also expects to improve profitability as it is now able to both design and mass produce.
The maximum output of the PE system developed by Hyundai Mobis is 160 kilowatts, which is equivalent to 215 horsepower in internal combustion engine terms. This level of performance is suitable for use in most electric vehicles currently in mass production. If two PE systems are installed on the front and rear axle, the maximum output is doubled.
Despite developing the PE system as a universal model, Hyundai Mobis has improved its performance. Specific power, measured as power output per unit weight, increased by about 16%, while the total volume of the system decreased by about 20%. This was achieved through modular design technology and extensive use of standard auto components. The company also improved the motor structure by implementing new cooling technology and developed a power module using power semiconductors that maximize energy efficiency.
Earlier, Hyundai Mobis had already completed the development of a high-efficiency, high-output 250-kilowatt-class PE system last year.
The company successfully developed the product with the goal of creating a high-performance product that has a competitive edge over rivals in various aspects, including maximum output, motor torque and cooling structure.
Following the 160-kilowatt and 250-kilowatt PE systems, Hyundai Mobis plans to complete the development of a 120-kilowatt PE system tailored for compact cars within the first half of this year. The system features minimal size and weight compared to the other two models, while also offering price competitiveness tailored to emerging markets.
With this, Hyundai Mobis will have a full range of drive systems covering all types of electric vehicles, from small mobility solutions to high-performance vehicles. This will not only enable the company to meet the diverse needs of its customers but also create a differentiated product strategy to suit specific objectives.