Hyundai and Kia aim to increase the driving range of electric vehicles by introducing a new technology that reduces aerodynamic drag.
Dubbed Active Air Skirt (AAS), it’s a technology that lessens an electric vehicle’s (EV) aerodynamic resistance during high-speed driving. Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia shared that AAS effectively improves the driving range and driving stability of EVs.
AAS controls the air flow entering through the lower part of the bumper, optimizing the turbulence generated around the EV’s wheels by operating according to the vehicle speed during high-speed driving.
Hyundai and Kia added that they have tested the AAS tech using the Genesis GV60. In the said test, the Genesis GV60’s drag coefficient was reduced by 0.008, improving drag by 2.8 percent. This also translates to an additional EV driving range improvement of around six kilometers.
AAS is installed between the front bumper and the front wheels. It is hidden during normal operation, but it activates at speeds over 80 km/h when the aerodynamic drag becomes greater, and it is stored again at 70 km/h.
The AAS only covers a part of the front tires–it does not completely cover the front tires since it is more effective in improving aerodynamic performance in relation to Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform for EVs. The said layout, according to Hyundai and Kia, also enhances the downforce of the vehicle, improving traction and high-speed stability.
AAS can also operate at speeds over 200 km/h. This was possible thanks to the application of rubber material on the lower part, which reduces the risk of external objects splashing and damaging while driving at high speeds and ensures durability.
Hyundai and Kia have already applied for related patents in South Korea and the United States for their AAS tech. The Korean automakers are also planning mass production of the AAS after further durability and performance tests.
Get more of the latest in automotive tech at Philkotse.com.