Kia Motors, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated electric vehicle (EV), codenamed “GT1,” which will be built on Hyundai’s next-generation “eM” platform. Set to be a long-range, high-performance machine, the GT1 signifies Hyundai’s commitment to becoming one of the leading global EV manufacturers by the end of the decade.
Hyundai’s success in the EV market can be attributed, in part, to its first dedicated EV platform called E-GMP, which forms the foundation for its current lineup of electric cars. This lineup includes popular models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 SUV, IONIQ 6 sedan, Kia EV6, EV9 SUV, and the Genesis GV60.
Notably, the Kia EV6 GT, built on the E-GMP platform, already holds the title of Kia’s most powerful production car to date. Boasting an impressive 576 horsepower and a rapid acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, the EV6 GT has even outperformed notable sports cars such as the Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, all while being priced significantly lower than the Porsche Taycan GTS.
According to a recent report from South Korea’s ET News, Hyundai Motor Group has finalized the specifications for key drivetrain components of its upcoming EV on the next-generation “eM” platform. These specifications include a massive 113.2 kWh battery and two electric motors, with a combined output of 603 horsepower (450 kW). It is anticipated that the “eM” platform will be released no earlier than 2025.
The GT1, the first vehicle to be introduced on the “eM” platform, is expected to outshine the Kia EV6 GT, currently Kia’s fastest production car, with its maximum output of 576 horsepower (430 kW). Notably, the GT1 will offer an impressive driving range of 434 miles (700 km) to 497 miles (800 km).
Positioned as an E-segment passenger vehicle, the GT1 benefits from Hyundai’s forward-thinking approach in developing the “eM” platform, which aims to cater specifically to EVs across various segments while significantly enhancing their range. Hyundai has previously stated that the platform will provide a 50% increase in range compared to existing EVs.
To put the expected range into perspective, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5, currently available in the market, offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles. Thus, a 50% boost would indicate a range of over 450 miles for vehicles built on the new platform.
If the report’s details are accurate, the 113.2 kWh battery capacity of the GT1 would make it one of the highest-capacity batteries among mass-produced passenger EVs in major markets. For instance, the Mercedes Benz EQS features a 107.8 kWh battery, the Tesla Model S is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, and the Kia EV9 possesses a 99.8 kWh battery.
With Kia’s GT1 EV poised to make a mark in the industry with its impressive range and performance, Hyundai Motor Group solidifies its position as a key player in the rapidly growing global EV market.
