South Korean automaker Hyundai and its brand Kia have just unveiled their new Active Air Skirt technology to further advance their electric vehicle business.
The Active Air Skirt tech
According to the press release, the Active Air Skirt tech reduces the aerodynamic resistance induced by high-speed driving in electric vehicles. In effect, it increases the vehicle’s range and stability.
Hyundai’s Active Air Skirt tech regulates air flow entering the lower part of the bumper. The South Korean automaker further noted that it “effectively controls the turbulence generated around the vehicle wheels by operating variably according to the vehicle speed during high-speed driving.”
How does it work?
Hyundai installed the AAS between the front bumper and the front wheels. It is concealed when driving at low speeds but activates when surpassing 50 mph (80 km/h). It deactivates again at 70 km/h speed.
These deployment and storage speed differences are apparently crucial for the company to control frequent operations in particular speed ranges.
Interestingly, the company tested the technology through the Genesis GV60. Hyundai claims they managed to lower the model’s drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008 and improved drag by 2.8%. According to the press release, these developments can deliver an extra range of approximately 6 km.
“This technology is expected to have a greater effect on models such as SUVs where it is difficult to improve aerodynamic performance. We will continue to strive to improve the driving performance and stability of electric vehicles through improvements in aerodynamics.”
Sun Hyung Cho, Vice President and Head of the Mobility Body Development Group at Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai’s electrification push
Hyundai’s electric vehicle sales reached about 117,000 units in the United States in 2023. This figure enabled the South Korean automaker to beat legacy brands Ford and GM to claim the second spot in the EV market, just behind Tesla.
Hyundai and its Kia brand contributed about 8% of the passenger EV sales in the US last year.
The company aims to boost its EV sales further with new technologies and features, such as better drag, longer range, and faster charging.
All that said, the newly introduced AAS will undoubtedly aid Hyundai in its electric vehicle push. It will lower wind resistance during resistance to improve battery range and better control.
