Genesis Electric SUV Codenamed as JW EV

Seems like things are still on track for the JW to debut in June.


After we caught the Genesis JW EV bespoke electric prototype with camera-based side mirrors and with what looks like a two-line design for new mood lighting system, this time we can confirm the release time for the premium model of the E-GMP platform, and will be the last to arrive, with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 arriving in January and Kia’s CV in April.

What we know so far?

The vehicle pictured above is JW E-GMP first production guise prototype. The prototype shows at least the Genesis “two-lines” signature back and forth, despite the front grille is completely covered and we’re still not able to confirm if will have the same Crest Grille, or will premiere a reinterpretation. The prototype specs sheet shows this EV is 4WD.

Despite what was expected, Genesis bespoke EV is smaller than we thought and should compete against premium electric SUVs such as Tesla ‘Model Y’, Mercedes-Benz ‘EQB’, and Audi ‘Q4 E-Tron’ through the unique design of the electric car differentiated from the existing Genesis GV series. Through JW EV, Genesis aims to show off its advanced technology and high profitability.

It is because of the potential of this market that Genesis choose its own model JW EV as the core new vehicle to expand the premium electric vehicle market. At present, the premium electric SUV market is led by Tesla with Model X & Y, but there are not many competitors. Only Mercedes, Audi, and Jaguar are chasing Tesla with their own electric SUV models. BMW and Porsche are still developing SUVs electric vehicles.

Next year, they plan to significantly strengthen the line-up of electric vehicles by introducing a series of derivative electric vehicles, such as the large sedan-based G80 EV and the semi-medium SUV-based GV70 EV (we already spied both), along with the bespoke JW electric vehicle.

JW EV uses ‘E-GMP’, a platform dedicated to electrification developed by Hyundai Motor Group that will increase cost competitiveness by sharing this platforms in cars like Hyundai Motor’s ‘NE EV’ (this is the 45 pony-inspired EV) and Kia’s ‘CV EV’ (which will be based on “Imagine by Kia” concept car) that will appear next year.

E-GMP is designed to flatten the lower part of the vehicle body and optimize it for high-voltage batteries and motors for long-distance driving. Dynamometer parts such as batteries can also be easily replaced. Depending on the vehicle class, the battery capacity is variable, and the target is 500km or more.

The specs sheets shows JW codename and 4WD.

It also supports ultra-fast charging. If you charge the JW EV with a high-power charger at the ultra-fast charging station you are currently building, you can charge up to 80% in 20 minutes. Hyundai Motor Group plans to install a 350-kW electric vehicle ultra-fast charger in major cities such as Seoul and 12 highway rest areas within this year.

The annual production target for JW EV, which will start mass production in June next year, has been set at 22,000 units.

If anyone is concerned about range, I have some very promising news for you:

If you feel like you’ve had your fill of news relating to electric cars, you’re not alone. Sadly, that’s just about all the industry is willing to let out of the bag right now. Whether you’re trying to pump staffers for information using sweet talk or waggling a crowbar in front of their face, they don’t have much else to discuss ahead of the holidays.

But that doesn’t mean there can’t be good news. Hyundai Motor Group, one of the few manufacturers that (mostly) hasn’t left us clenching our teeth when announcing decisions, has announced it’s building an all-new, electric platform that won’t have a laughably pathetic range. Unveiled in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) promises sports-car levels of acceleration, outstanding flexibility, and production models boasting ranges in excess of 300 miles.

While perhaps not the 400+ miles we’d all like to see on a vehicle type that can take hours to charge, it’s a step in the right direction and we doubt the brand is envisioning something with steep pricing. As things currently stand, the Kona Electric comes in Hyundai’s most-expensive product at $37,190 before destination. Other models, including the brand’s PHEV Sonata sedan, Ioniq EV, and eight-passenger (gasoline) Palisade SUV, all cost thousands less. The only exception is the $58,735 Nexo Fuel Cell — which is powered by hydrogen, exclusive to California, and probably not on your radar.

However, it and the rest of Hyundai’s offerings utilizing non-traditional powertrains may soon see themselves outclassed. The automaker said E-GMP had been designed specifically to deliver long-range, dynamic driving, and minimal energy consumption. Hyundai estimated ranges of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a full battery and 80-percent recharge times in as little as 18 minutes — assuming you can find the applicable fast charger.

That’s pretty good and will be great if those figures are consistent with an array of desirable models utilizing the E-GMP architecture. Better still, Hyundai said it was targeting the platform for larger products and suggested something roughly the size of the 196-inch-long Palisade was already under consideration. But the first unit to tap into the new architecture (which uses an entirely new battery pack and motor) will be the midsize Ioniq 5 crossover scheduled to debut next year. It’s to be followed by a related Kia SUV before branching out into other segments and the Genesis nameplate. If engineers can maintain anything close to the 310-mile range, it would easily outclass the present e-offerings from numerous high-end European brands. Meanwhile, General Motors’ modular Ultium system is promising ranges of up to 450 miles — but only on vehicles equipped with especially large (see: more expensive) battery packs.

The only overt downer is the estimates being on the WLTP test cycle, meaning they’ll translate into something smaller once the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs its own analysis. We’re also always a little skeptical of estimates in general since they never seem to get any larger over time.

Dynamics are said to be improved by a new five-link rear suspension and Hyundai’s integrated drive axle — which it claimed would be the first to be mass-produced. From what we can tell, the axle integrates wheel bearings into the driveshaft and creates a smoother experience. As such, all E-GMP products will be rear-wheel drive by default. But Hyundai says it’ll also be building twin-motor vehicles with AWD.

That rear bias is also supposed to help the manufacturer build performance-oriented EVs, one of which is already rumored to be in development. Under idyllic circumstances, the company estimated E-GMP is capable of 0-100 kph (0-62mph) in less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 161 mph.