The design of electric vehicles continues to evolve, but some car manufacturers have given up on the design of air intake grilles. For manufacturers that retain grilles, their closed designs often receive mixed reviews.
Hyundai Mobis is working hard to make traditional grilles work in the new energy era. To this end, the company developed an “integrated front module” that improves aerodynamics while providing a more traditional appearance.
This module draws on the concept of active grille opening and closing, and reduces wind resistance through openable components. But it does much more than that, with active air curtains, air skirts, grille flaps and hood vents at the front. These devices work together to optimize aerodynamics and exchange heat to increase battery cooling efficiency.
Thanks to this versatile design, the range of an electric vehicle can be increased by approximately 20 kilometers. Hyundai Mobis says the technology is particularly useful for models such as crossovers and SUVs, which tend to have limited aerodynamic optimization options.
In addition to active air vents, the module also has features such as automatic retraction of the charging plug and a retractable LiDAR sensor. The LiDAR sensor only extends when the vehicle is in motion and retracts into the grille when the vehicle is parked, reducing the risk of scratch damage and repair costs.
In addition to the above-mentioned advantages, this module also allows car manufacturers to adopt traditional grille designs, giving the vehicle more personality in terms of appearance.
Hyundai Mobis pointed out, “Electric vehicles usually adopt a streamlined design and reduce wind resistance by eliminating the radiator grille, which also leads to the homogeneity of the appearance of electric passenger vehicles.” They hope that this technology can not only improve aerodynamics Learning performance can also make your products unique in design.
It is unclear when mass-produced models equipped with the new front module will be launched, but Hyundai Mobis is working hard to develop overseas markets and expand order sources beyond South Korea.
