How to spend as little fuel or electricity as possible on daily trips? Many people ask themselves this question, especially at a time when the prices of energy resources are rising. However, consumption optimization is also important for electric car owners for another reason – the more efficiently the car is designed, the more kilometers can be driven on a single charge.
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In order to create the most efficient electric cars, manufacturers draw ideas not only from the technologies of electric motors, batteries and other elements of the energy system. The basis for increasing performance is already laid with the first sketches of the new models, which outline what the future car will look like. This body shape is also one of the ways to make an electric car more efficient. The more aerodynamic the body is, that is, the lower the air resistance coefficient, the less energy is needed for acceleration and a greater distance can be rolled with inertia without stopping.
Therefore, it is not surprising that electric cars currently have the lowest drag coefficient among production models. “Tesla” models, “Toyota Prius” and such cars as “Mazda3”, “Honda Insight” and “Kia Optima Hybrid” also stand out with good aerodynamics. The most impressive indicator is for the “Mercedes-Benz” model “EQS” – only 0.20. However, the luxurious German limousine will soon have a company, as the “Hyundai Ioniq 6” intended for a wider range of buyers will hit the streets in the near future. It stands out with impressive aerodynamics – its drag coefficient is only 0.21. However, the company “Lightyear” promises to present the most aerodynamic car, which aims to create an electric car with an air resistance coefficient of 0.175. Such an indicator would surpass even one of the pioneers of electric cars – the legendary “GM EV1”, whose coefficient is 0.195.
Electric car specifics
Explaining why electric cars usually have better aerodynamics, Vids Žuraulis, professor of the Faculty of Transport Engineering at the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, first of all mentions the fact that they do not have engine cooling holes at the front. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors do not require cooling in normal operating modes, they operate efficiently and safely without forced cooling.
“The closed front part of the body without a grid does not allow the air flow to enter the engine compartment and the body and swirl there, thus significantly increasing the air resistance. Also, the closed front part of the body allows designers to significantly improve the air flow around the machine. The flowing air is distributed more gently and without vortices,” explains the scientist.
The excellent aerodynamic performance of “Ioniq 6” has been achieved not only by the shape of the body, but also by the low front and rear of the machine, which resembles a ship’s hull. Active brake cooling air flaps in front, a smaller gap between the wheels and arches, as well as small video cameras instead of side mirrors have also contributed in this regard. Another important element is the elliptical rear spoiler and diffusers on both sides of the rear bumper. However, much of the engineering effort is invisible to the eye, as the underside of the body is completely covered by an aerodynamic hood with advanced deflectors.
A challenge for designers
Manufacturers usually pay more attention to the aerodynamics of electric cars, although a significant number of solutions could also be implemented in machines with an internal combustion engine. “For example, they can be door handles integrated into the surface, wheel rims with less aerodynamic resistance, small video cameras instead of external mirrors, and so on,” says Vids Žuraulis.
At first glance, it might seem that all brands should make their cars as aerodynamic as possible, but it’s not that simple. To improve this indicator, manufacturers face many challenges, how to do it without losing the car’s practicality, appeal or design features.
In the case of “Hyundai Ioniq 6”, engineers have significantly simplified the visual image of the electric car and, along with design, have also focused on functional efficiency. Such an approach has helped to achieve the set goals. The smooth, curved profile and carefully designed contours have made it possible to achieve the lowest drag coefficient among all Hyundai models. Efforts have also been made to maximize and optimally plan the space inside, stretching it both forwards and backwards and thus creating a unique but rational silhouette and a roomy cabin.
The car’s developers do not hide that, like the “Ioniq 5” model, which won the title of “World Car of the Year 2022”, the “Ioniq 6” is also created in accordance with the “Hyundai Look” design strategy, according to which each electric car is supposed to have a unique appearance, as if cutting out chess pieces. Thinking about people’s needs, the South Korean manufacturer creates machines that suit different lifestyles, rather than following a universal style.
The new model also uses many sustainable materials, without which it is difficult to imagine a modern electric car. Today’s automotive engineers are increasingly talking about high performance, recyclable materials, sustainable manufacturing and operational processes as the core values on which manufacturers of the most advanced electric cars are focused.
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