Hyundai & Kia Introduces Active Air Skirt To Improve EV Range

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the 'Active Air Skirt' (AAS). Said tech was designed and developed to minimise aerodynamic resistance during high-speed driving, thereby enhancing both the driving range and stability of electric vehicles (EVs).

AAS is an innovative tech that regulates the airflow entering through the lower part of the bumper. It effectively manages turbulence around the vehicle wheels by adapting to the vehicle speed during high-speed driving.

In the competitive landscape of the EV era where maximising driving range from a single charge is crucial, the relationship between vehicles and aerodynamics has become increasingly significant. Aero performance not only influences power efficiency, it also impacts driving stability and wind noise levels.

AAS is positioned between the front bumper and the front wheels, remaining concealed during normal operation. It deploys at speeds exceeding 80 KM/H where aerodynamic resistance surpasses rolling resistance. AAS also retracts at speeds below 70 KM/H to avoid frequent operation within specific speed ranges.

AAS selectively covers only the front part of the tires, leveraging the characteristics of Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform’s flat floor for EVs improving downforce, traction and high-speed stability.

AAS can operate at speeds exceeding 200 KM/H, thanks to the use of durable rubber material. Hyundai and Kia have tested AAS on the Genesis GV60, which successfully improved the drag coefficient (Cd) rate by 0.008, resulting in range improvement of approximately 6 KM.

Both companies also continue to explore various technologies, including rear spoilers, active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, and separation traps, to achieve competitive drag coefficient figures. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 already featured some of these tech that allowed it to achieve a global leading Cd figure of 0.21.

Both firms have patented this technology both in South Korea and the United States, and they plan to evaluate mass production viability following durability and performance tests.