A new rumor suggests that the much-anticipated Apple Car might be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.
According to a report from Gizmodo, well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says there are indications that Apple is planning to partner with Hyundai to produce its long-awaited electric vehicle. Specifically, Kuo says Apple is planning to use Hyundai’s E-GMP platform as the chassis for the long-rumored Apple car.
Speed and Range
The E-GMP platform is the core architecture for Hyundai’s own electric vehicles. That includes their prominent upcoming Ioniq 5 electric SUV (pictured below). Hyundai says the E-GMP platform was designed exclusively for battery powered EVs. They claim it offers increased modularity and safety, while also maximizing performance, driving range, and interior roominess. Engineers at Hyundai were quoted last year saying cars based on the E-GMP platform could go from 0-to-60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. A potential top speed of 160 mph also goes along with that impressive acceleration.
Hyundai says the E-GMP platform can deliver more than 310 miles on a single battery charge. Its brand new charging system also has impressive speeds. Hyundai says E-GMP-based vehicles can recharge up to 80% of their battery in less than 20 minutes.
Other Tech Features
The E-GMP platform has attracted interest in its support bi-directional charging. That technology would allow the car to actually discharge electricity to power other gadgets. Think about plugging in a minifridge or a TV set while camping, for example. The platform also supports both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Hyundai claims the E-GMP platform will be he first mass-produced integrated drive axle.
When it comes to the Apple Car, the most important aspect of the E-GMP platform is its flexibility. It has reportedly been designed to “enable rapid and flexible development depending on customer needs.” That would be very attractive to a company like Apple, since they love to put their own DNA into existing products to make them better. The modular design of the E-GMP platform would allow Apple for room to implement their own designs and customizations for the Apple Car.
Possible Launch Date?
So when will you be able to pre-order your Apple Car? Don’t hold your breath.
Kuo forecasts that “Apple will launch the Apple Car in 2025, at the earliest.” While the idea of a Hyundai and Apple partnership is intriguing, no formal announcements have been made so far. In fact, Apple won’t even admit they are working on a car at all. Other recent reports have stated that some Hyundai executives are hesitant about partnering with Apple at all. Apple has a strict focus on secrecy and privacy. Hyundai may be hesitant to give over even part control of their car-making expertise to another company. There is still a chance that Apple may have to look elsewhere to find a manufacturing partner for its long rumored electric vehicle.
Stay tuned…
Hyundai Ioniq 5
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