Hyundai Mobis Internalizes 'PE System', Enabling Full Electric Vehicle Lineup

Independent Development of 160kW PE System for Universal Models
Unusual for a Parts Supplier: Capable of Everything from Design to Mass Production
Three-Model Lineup to Be Completed in the First Half with Addition of 120kW System

Hyundai Mobis is building a lineup of drive systems that cover all types of electric vehicles, further strengthening its global competitiveness in electrification components.

On May 7, Hyundai Mobis announced that it had successfully developed a universal 160kW PE system following its earlier development of a high-performance 250kW PE system. The company also plans to complete the development of a 120kW PE system specialized for compact mobility within the first half of this year.

Until now, Hyundai Mobis had been responsible for mass-producing PE systems based on orders from its clients. However, by internalizing research and development, the company has secured design technologies for each component and is now able to introduce its own drive models. The PE (Power Electric) system, which is equivalent to the powertrain in internal combustion engines, is a key component consisting of a motor, inverter, and reducer.

The 160kW PE system independently developed by Hyundai Mobis. Hyundai Mobis

During the independent development of its PE system model, Hyundai Mobis focused on standardizing major components and modularizing the system. This included components such as the stator for the drive motor, the inverter, and the power module, which bundles power semiconductors.

This type of standardized system model can be applied to a wide range of vehicle types, offering scalability advantages. It is more efficient than developing a new drive system for each new model. As the number of electric vehicle models increases, this approach is expected to be favorable for mass production in the future. This strategy is distinct from previous practices, where automakers collaborated with individual parts suppliers to develop element technologies and then assembled PE systems.

Hyundai Mobis plans to proactively propose its newly developed PE systems to global clients. It has been reported that some overseas customers have already shown significant interest. While Hyundai Mobis has previously secured orders for battery systems from global clients, this marks an expansion of its electrification portfolio into the drive system sector as well. With the ability to both design and mass-produce these systems, the company also expects to improve profitability.

The PE system developed by Hyundai Mobis delivers a maximum output of 160kW, which is equivalent to 215 horsepower by internal combustion engine standards. This output level makes it suitable for application in most electric vehicles currently in mass production. If two PE systems are installed, one on the front and one on the rear axle, maximum output can be doubled.

Even though Hyundai Mobis developed the PE system as a universal model, it has improved performance compared to its previous products. The specific output, which refers to output per unit of weight, has been improved by approximately 16%, while the volume has been reduced by nearly 20%. This improvement is thanks to modular design technology and the extensive use of standardized components. The company also developed a power module with power semiconductors that enhance energy efficiency, as well as improved the motor structure by applying new cooling technology.

Prior to this, Hyundai Mobis had already completed the development of a high-efficiency, high-output 250kW PE system last year. The company succeeded in developing this high-performance product with the goal of outperforming competitors in key areas such as maximum output, motor torque, and cooling structure.

Following the 160kW and 250kW PE systems, Hyundai Mobis plans to complete the development of a 120kW PE system specialized for compact cars within the first half of the year. This new model is characterized by its minimized volume and weight compared to the other two models and is competitively priced with emerging markets in mind.

Once the development of the 120kW PE system is complete, Hyundai Mobis will have assembled a full lineup of drive systems for electric vehicles, ranging from small mobility solutions to high-performance vehicles. This will not only enable the company to meet diverse client needs, but also to target differentiated products based on specific purposes.

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