Hyundai Motor has the ability to build high-performance electric vehicles with the IONIQ 5 N, and now the company may turn its target to a more affordable model. Albert Biermann, a technical consultant for Hyundai Motor, believes that developing a small high-performance electric car is an important goal of the N brand.
Hyundai Motor plans to launch smaller high-performance electric vehicles
Biermann once served as the head of Hyundai Motor’s R&D department and the head of BMW’s M department. He has made many contributions to the car enthusiast community. He acknowledged that outsiders have high expectations for the N brand, but he also emphasized that producing affordable high-performance cars is crucial.
Biermann told AutoExpress: “We have to develop a small N-brand electric car, otherwise we will lose our customers. We need to launch smaller and more affordable models.”
Biermann believes that even a small electric car needs to provide enough range to meet the needs of track driving and have an 800-volt electrical system to meet those needs.
“If it’s an N-brand car, you’re going to want to drive it on the track, even if it’s only for 15 or 20 minutes. If you use a 400-volt electrical system, the current is doubled, the cooling requirements are quadrupled, and the efficiency is very high. Low,” he explained. “If you want to make a car like the i30 (Elantra), 400 volts is not suitable.”
IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are the smallest models using the Global Modular Platform. Hyundai is currently unable to launch smaller electric vehicles equipped with an 800V electrical system. This requires waiting for the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) to be launched in 2025.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has been named The Best EV of 2023 by The Drive for its compelling mix of performance, practicality, and accessibility. The Drive’s editors praised the IONIQ 6’s sporty driving feel, spacious interior, and overall refinement. This is the second year for The Drive Awards in which the brand presents their signature golden slash to the best new vehicles tested over the last year.
“We’re honored to receive The Drive’s Best EV Award for the Hyundai IONIQ 6,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “This recognition highlights our commitment to building electric vehicles with class-leading performance, sleek styling compelling practicality and smart tech.”