Hyundai Unveils Active Air Skirt Tech To Improve Aerodynamics

Hyundai and Kia have unveiled a new technology to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of its electric vehicles at high speeds. Called ‘Active Air Skirt’, the feature helps control the airflow around the lower part of the EVs as well as the turbulence around the wheels. 

The Active Air Skirt (AAS) helps improve the range and driving stability of EVs. It is installed in the front bumper and front wheels and is hidden during normal operation. Hyundai says the AAS has been installed in these specific regions due to the characteristics of the EVs built on the group’s E-GMP platform as it has a flat underbody and also helps enhance the downforce. 

Hyundai says the AAS gets activated over 80 kmph and retracts when speeds reduce to 70 kmph. Hyundai says this difference in speed has been done to prevent frequent operation in specific speed ranges. The AAS can also operate at speeds over 200 kmph as it has rubber at the lower parts to reduce the risk of splashing and inadvertent damage at high speeds. 

Sun Hyung Cho, Vice President and Head of Mobility Body Development Group, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “This technology is expected to have a greater effect on models such as SUVs where it is difficult to improve aerodynamic performance. We will continue to strive to improve the driving performance and stability of electric vehicles through improvements in aerodynamics.”

The AAS has been tested on the Genesis GV60 and Hyundai claims it helped reduce the drag coefficient by 0.008 Cd, a 2.8 per cent improvement which will likely provide an additional range of 6 km. While patents are pending approval in the United States of America and South Korea, Hyundai is planning mass production of this tech once all durability and performance tests. Once ready, it can be used in vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, Kia EV5 and Genesis GV60.