This Genesis-designed solution provides a 6 km increase in range

Genesis, the Premium brand of Hyundai, has developed an aerodynamic solution that optimizes electric vehicle range.

There’s no such thing as small gains. In Formula 1, no engineer will tell you that it’s possible to gain 1 second per lap with a miracle solution. However, finding 10 ideas that each save 0.1 seconds is achievable!

This is the credo that manufacturers follow, notably Genesis, which recently introduced a solution that, on paper, might make you smile. But upon reflection, maybe not so much.

A TRUE RANGE BOOST?

With its “Active Air Skirt,” or “Active Air Flap” in French, the premium manufacturer of the Hyundai giant envisions a retractable deflector that deploys under the front of the car starting at 80 km/h. Why this speed? Because it’s the point where air resistance and tire rolling resistance intersect. Below this speed, it’s better to keep ride height high to avoid damaging the car on a curb, bump, speed bump, etc. Genesis also had the clever idea to make the deflector out of rubber to make it less fragile against inevitable bumps.

This solution aims to reduce aerodynamic drag at high speeds, thereby improving range as well as front-wheel stability and wind noise. The Active Air Skirt better controls the airflow under the bumper and turbulence around rotating wheels.

Resulting in a decrease in the drag coefficient (Cd) by 2.8%, which also reduces energy consumption for driving. On its GV60 model, which is very popular in the United States, Genesis estimated the range gain at 3.7 miles, or 6 km.

Hyundai and Genesis engineers believe the gains could be even greater on the crossovers, whose aerodynamic profiles are less optimized than the GV60.

Currently in development, Genesis has a clear eye on upcoming production. Every kilometer gained in range is a further sales argument in today’s electric vehicle world.

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