Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicles based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will receive hardware upgrades that will improve range, performance and charging speed. Currently, there are four models based on E-GMP: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60.
Specifically, Hyundai will replace the Silicon power modules it currently uses with third-generation Silicon-Carbide (SiC) units made by STMicroelectronics, which “ensures the greatest power density and energy efficiency, resulting in superior vehicle performance, range and charge times. ,” according to the official press release.
STMicroelectronics manufactures SiC power modules in Catania, Italy. The SiC power modules feature support for charging voltages up to 1200V, direct liquid cooling, and multiple busbar options for EV manufacturers.
The upgrade promises up to a five percent increase in range across some models and reduced charging time.
Choi WooSuk, Head of Electrification Development Center of Hyundai Motor Group in an interview in 2021 said E-GMP based vehicles already use Silicon-carbide 800V power units for rear motor inverters, but front motor inverters use Silicon 400V power modules.
The front motor inverter power module will be upgraded to a SiC based module from STMicroelectronics increasing the charging voltage to 800V. This makes for a significant reduction in charging time, as 800V charging is up to three times faster than 400V charging.
In other words, considering that the rear motor already uses the SiC power module, only the all-wheel-drive variants of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 will benefit from this upgrade.
Currently, the all-wheel drive, Extra Long Range Ioniq 5 has an EPA estimated range of 266 miles. The five percent increase will add 13.3 miles, for a total of 279.3 miles.
In addition, energy efficiency will be better, because the vehicle’s inverter does not need to convert 400V to 800V to be stored in the battery.
