Techno | Wear the skirt for more autonomy

Car manufacturers are pushing the limits and constantly refining their manufacturing processes in order to optimize, again and again, the efficiency of their electric vehicles.

To achieve this, they rely on high-performance software that is capable of maximizing engine efficiency or which helps with battery efficiency, they design more aerodynamic body styles. In short, nothing is spared.

The manufacturer Hyundai is a good example. To improve the autonomy and stability of its electric vehicles, the South Korean company recently unveiled its latest innovation: an active air skirt nicknamed AAS (from the English Active Air Skirt).

This technique means that by reducing the turbulence induced by the wheels at the front of the vehicle, aerodynamic drag is reduced, the range of electric vehicles is increased, driving stability is improved and vehicle noise is reduced. wind has faded. This means that by wearing the skirt, a vehicle could drive faster, for longer.

At Hyundai, we already use processes of this type, which were manufactured in the same spirit and used on another model: the Ioniq 6 electric sedan. We are talking here about active air shutters, a rear spoiler and air curtains on the wheels, all intended to reduce this famous aerodynamic drag.

Regarding AAS technology, there has been a lot of talk about Hyundai Motor since the recent announcement, but in fact, there are two South Korean manufacturers banking on this process, since Kia is also in the game. The two firms also carried out joint tests on the Genesis GV60 sports utility vehicle, which is one of Hyundai's luxury models. The results obtained were conclusive.

With AAS, the vehicle's drag coefficient was reduced by 0.008, which had the effect of increasing drag by 2.8%, allowing manufacturers to increase the range of this SUV by six kilometers. This seems slight, but it is still a step forward.

These fins that redirect the air

The active air skirt technology relies on the lower part of the front bumper, which plays a vital role in directing the flow of air entering the vehicle by decreasing aerodynamic resistance. Several already use this process in the world of car racing, particularly in the world of Formula 1.

The process is still rather simple. This involves installing two small parts between the bumper and the front wheels of the car, two skirts which will deploy when the vehicle reaches 80 km/h and even more, up to 200 km/h. This will help reduce turbulence and redirect the air around the front wheels, for less resistance.

It appears that the AAS would offer significantly greater efficiency than a stationary vehicle air skirt, according to the manufacturers. The active air skirt is also said to have a positive effect on vehicle downforce, improving traction and stability.

Conversely, when the vehicle speed is reduced below 70 km/h, the AAS folds behind the bumper, remaining invisible to the driver.

What if we want to go at a speed greater than 200 km/h? We think of racing cars, for example. We planned this too. To do this, so that everything remains safe and maintains the necessary durability, Hyundai decided to add rubber to the lower part of the AAS. Therefore, the process reduces the risk of damage caused by external objects.

A skirt that suits SUVs well

If we are talking about sport utility vehicles here, it is because among all car models, they are particularly well suited for AAS.

Due to their boxier design and higher ground clearance, SUVs typically have poorer aerodynamics than most other vehicles. They will therefore be able to benefit more from the active skirt to improve their aerodynamic performance. Same thing for electric vehicles with wider wheels, manufacturers report.

The technology is well-received and is now poised to make some big splashes. Faced with the promising results of their resistance and performance tests, Hyundai Motor and Kia have indeed applied for patents in South Korea and the United States in order to jealously protect their technology.

The two manufacturers are now considering producing this technology on a larger scale. We can easily imagine that the arrival of the active air skirt on vehicles in Canada and Quebec is only a matter of time.