Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors have signed a deal with the Californian EV startup – Canoo. This deal is for developing autonomous ready electric vehicles. Canoo has developed a skateboard shaped platform which can be used to develop multiple vehicles according to them. Starting from small EVs to large purposely built vehicles (PBVs) any kind of vehicle can be built on this platform.
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Canoo will provide both the platform and the engineering services to Hyundai and Kia under the deal. Further, they also plan to deliver the same to anyone who partners with them in the near future. The platform developed by Canoo houses all the components required by the powertrain and is self-contained. Anyone can fit any kind of vehicle’s body on this platform.
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Hyundai and Kia were attracted to this platform because it has got functional integration with key components fulfilling multiple functions – in turn, reducing the size, weight and complexity of the chassis.
Hyundai R&D boss Albert Biermann said the firm was “highly impressed by the speed and efficiency in which Canoo developed their innovative EV architecture. The two firms would develop a cost-effective Hyundai platform concept that is autonomous ready and suitable for mass adoption.”
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The Hyundai Motor Group is planning to invest around Rs 6.2 lakh crore till 2025 for the development of EVs and future growth plans. Hyundai and Kia further aim to sell “eco-friendly vehicles” which would have 25% stake in the lineup by 2025.
Hyundai and Kia have a considerable presence in the Indian market and Kona electric is already on the Indian roads. Kia showcased the Niro EV and the Soul EV at the Auto Expo 2020 and plan to launch it soon! Let’s see what HMIL has got for the autonomous vehicle technology in India.
