Unveiling the groundbreaking AAS technology, Hyundai and Kia redefine electric vehicle efficiency and performance
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation introduced the revolutionary ‘Active Air Skirt’ (AAS) technology, aimed at enhancing the driving range and stability of electric vehicles (EVs) by minimizing aerodynamic resistance during high-speed driving.
AAS Technology: A Paradigm Shift in EV Aerodynamics
AAS operates by intelligently controlling the airflow beneath the vehicle during high-speed driving, effectively managing turbulence around the wheels. As electric vehicles fiercely compete for an extended driving range on a single charge, the symbiotic relationship between vehicle design and aerodynamics becomes pivotal.
Installed discreetly between the front bumper and the front wheels, AAS remains hidden during normal operation but springs into action at speeds exceeding 80 km/h. It retracts at 70 km/h, strategically adapting to the aerodynamic challenges posed at higher speeds. The specific deployment in front of the tires, rather than covering the entire front end, aligns with the unique characteristics of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, optimizing aerodynamic performance.
Enhanced Performance and Stability
AAS not only addresses the critical factor of drag coefficient (Cd), the resistance coefficient of air opposing the vehicle’s motion, but also elevates downforce. This translates into improved vehicle traction and high-speed stability, crucial elements in the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
AAS excelled in GV60 tests, cutting drag by 2.8%, foreseeing a 6 km range boost. Hyundai, Kia filed patents, hinting at mass production after durability checks.
Sun Hyung Cho, VP and Head of Mobility Body Development at Hyundai Motor Group, stressed AAS’s impact on SUVs. Elevating EV driving and stability via aerodynamic innovations is a Hyundai-Kia priority.
A Glimpse into the Future: Technological Synergy for Optimal Drag Coefficients
Beyond AAS, Hyundai Motor and Kia are strategically applying various cutting-edge technologies. This includes rear spoilers, active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, and separation traps. The culmination of these innovations is evident in the Hyundai IONIQ 6, achieving a global leading Cd of 0.21.
Article by AutomotiveWoman.com Editor, Juliana Chiovitti, aka @AutomotiveWoman online
IMAGES: Hyundai Motors + Kia Corporation
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