autoevolution
 

Hyundai Motor Group Set to Launch Electric City Car in 2023

Hyundai Motor Group will have at least one electric city car in its portfolio in 2023. The news does not come from Hyundai or its sister brand Kia, but from a supplier that serves the Korean conglomerate. The supplier announced the news through a press release, and thanks to it we have the specs of the electric powertrain.
2019-present Hyundai i10 37 photos
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company
2019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i102019-present Hyundai i10BorgWarner iDM 146
Back in June 2021, BorgWarner announced the specs of a new electric powertrain, which is called integrated electric drive model, or iDM. It blends an electric motor with a transmission in a single unit, and it features the company's patented high-voltage technology. Thanks to the latter, the motor has over 95 percent efficiency, BorgWarner claims, while the eGearDrive transmission comes with over 97 percent efficiency.

The unit has an integrated permanent magnet rotor and can be had with an optional ePark lock system. Other automakers might choose the setup for their future hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, thanks to its packaging advantage. Instead of having an electric motor that needs to be mated to a transmission, the integrated electric drive unit features both in a compact package.

While the new integrated electric drive model is suitable for hybrids, the press release specifically mentions an A-segment electric vehicle from the Hyundai Motor Group as the first recipient. The unit has a continuous power output of 80 kW (107 hp) but can reach a peak power of 135 kW (181 hp). However, Hyundai might not offer that much power for a city car, but limit the output to conserve available driving range with a smaller battery.

The first integrated electric drive unit from BorgWarner is called iDM 146 and operates at 400V, just like the Kona EV. The supplier notes that the unit is scalable and that it has a modular inverter design that is easily customizable to accommodate customer requirements.

The upcoming city car from the Hyundai Motor Group is set for launch in 2023, and it has the potential to replace the i10 (pictured in the photo gallery) when it reaches the market. However, the two models might share showroom space until the i10 is phased out. Kia might launch a version of this electric city car (A-segment) in 2023, but that remains to be confirmed.

The Brits at Auto Express note that the upcoming city car from Hyundai will be SUV-shaped (hopefully inspired by the Curb Concept), but will have a length between 3.5 (11.4 ft.) and 3.7 meters (12.1 ft.). It will allegedly come with up to 200 miles of range (320 km) while being able to charge at up to 50 kW DC charger would allow half of its maximum range to be charged back into the battery in about a half-hour.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)

Editor's note: Photo gallery shows the current Hyundai i10, which is the smallest production car in Hyundai's current line-up.

press release
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories