Hyundai, Canoo teaming up on electric vehicle platform

Hyundai Motor Group has signed a deal with U.S. electric vehicle (EV) start-up Canoo to develop a platform for its upcoming models, the Korean auto giant announced Wednesday.

Hyundai Motor Group said it expects the new platform, using Canoo’s scalable skateboard architecture, to allow for a simplified and standardized development process, which in turn would lower the prices of vehicles made by Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.

Canoo’s proprietary skateboard architecture directly houses the batteries and the electric drivetrain, a design that provides more interior cabin space while making the vehicles more cost effective.

Albert Biermann, head of research and development at Hyundai Motor Group, said the company will collaborate with Canoo engineers to develop a cost-effective platform concept that is autonomous-ready and suitable for mass adoption.

Canoo unveiled its first EV for subscription in September last year, just 19 months after the company’s founding in December 2017.

The deal is the latest in a series of moves by Hyundai Motor Group to increase investment in next-generation vehicle technologies through partnerships with overseas start-ups.

Yonhap