"High Indoor Space Flexibility and Battery Utilization to Become Strengths of Electric Vehicles"

Global Automakers Successively Develop and Apply Dedicated Electric Vehicle Platforms

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Recently, as global automakers have been successively developing and applying electric vehicle (BEV) dedicated platforms, an analysis has emerged that the increased freedom of vehicle interior space and battery utilization will become strengths of electric vehicles in the future.

According to the Korea Automotive Technology Institute on the 15th, major global automakers such as Hyundai Motor Group (E-GMP), Volkswagen (MEB), Toyota (e-TNGA), Daimler (EVA), GM (BEV3), and Renault-Nissan Alliance (CMF-EV) are developing and applying dedicated electric vehicle platforms.

The institute stated that unlike early electric vehicles that applied platforms similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, new electric vehicles equipped with these dedicated platforms are increasing the freedom of interior space design through differentiated designs.

The institute explained, "Electric vehicles do not require powertrain components such as engines, transmissions, transfer cases, drive shafts, fuel, and exhaust lines that are present in internal combustion vehicles, which increases the freedom of interior space design. Although components such as motors, inverters, and reducers impose some spatial constraints, they can be miniaturized compared to corresponding internal combustion engine parts, and the drive battery is integrated into the chassis to reduce spatial limitations."

In particular, the institute diagnosed that electric vehicles are expanding the concept of automotive space by freely utilizing battery power. Since the drive battery capacity of electric vehicles corresponds to the amount of electricity used by an average household for several days, unlike internal combustion vehicles where energy consumption limits the use of energy-intensive electric and electronic devices, electric vehicles have no such usage restrictions.

Through V2L technology (Vehicle to Load ? technology that supplies stored electric power from electric vehicles to external devices), electric vehicle batteries enable the use of general power sources, allowing cars to be used not only as spaces for leisure and work activities but also for residential purposes. In fact, Hyundai and Tesla recently showcased videos demonstrating cooking and camping using electric vehicle batteries.

As the freedom of space in electric vehicles is expected to expand further with future technological advancements, it is anticipated to become a clear advantage over internal combustion vehicles. The miniaturization of motors, inverters, reducers, and the application of wheel hub motors, once realized, will further enhance the freedom of interior space design.

The institute stated, "Amid growing attention to the value of the car space as a safe private area triggered by COVID-19, the spacious interior and external utilization of battery power are expected to emerge as relative advantages of electric vehicles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.