Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Genesis G80 Saloon
Genesis Motor, LLC, though a brand not well known in India, is part of the Hyundai Motor Company, the behemoth South Korean automotive manufacturer. The Genesis brand became an independent luxury marque in 2015. Genesis has currently on offer a number of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). However, the company has announced its intention to only develop electric vehicles (EVs) from 2025. Genesis currently has the following EVs on sale:
The all-electric Genesis G80 EV competes in the premium segment of family saloons and executive luxury cars. A segment, where brand ‘cache’ is a key element of the overall ‘proposition’. Unfortunately for Genesis, it does not have the brand awareness of its competitors, like Audi, Mercedes and BMW. Given the premium price tag for the G80 EV, it will have to offer a lot more in design, performance and electric credentials to make a dent in this segment.
However, as the Genesis G80 is not built on a dedicated EV platform, it makes it all the more challenging to deliver a compelling proposition to a discerning electric car buyer. For those new to electric driving, most of the recent pure electric cars (also known as battery-electric vehicles), are developed and built on a dedicated bespoke EV platform.
An example is the all-electric Genesis GV60 built on the E-GMP, an EV dedicated platform. Electric vehicles (EVs) developed on an internal combustion engine (ICE) platform, will have inherent compromises. Some of these include, cabin design and space, boot space, exterior styling and also overall lower efficiency of the EV. The G80 EV is not an exception to this rule.
In terms of its electric credentials, the G80 electric saloon does incorporate a decent size EV battery: 87.2 kWh. The EV has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 520 km on a full charge. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the electric car should be able to deliver up to 440 km. More than sufficient for most day-to-day needs, to include, city and motorway driving. The G80 EV also incorporates a heat pump, which further improves the efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV).
For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting the fantastic electric range of the latest-generation of electric cars. In fact, in our list of the longest range electric cars for 2023, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon tops the list with a WLTP range up to 730 km.
The G80 electric offers DC charging capability up to 350 kW DC. The EV can be charged from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes using a 350 kW DC charger. At the more commonly found 50 kW DC charger, the G80 can be charged up to 80% in 73 minutes.
Of course, for most electric car owners, the EV is usually charged overnight, at home. The G80 EV incorporates a 11 kW (3-phase) AC onboard charger as standard. Charging the e-saloon up to 100% via a dedicated three-phase EV charger, like myenergi zappi will take up to 7 hours and 33 minutes. However, as most homes in India are restricted to single-phase power supply, the EV will take longer to charge.
We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car. It is better for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Genesis offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty. We also recommend combining an on-site PV system and battery storage, to truly leverage the benefits of zero-tailpipe emission electric driving.
The EV has a host of technology and features on offer (some as standard and others as options). As an example, the EV offers vehicle-to-load (V2L), but only as an option. Using the onboard bidirectional charger, V2L can be used to charge certain electric appliances, like a laptop, smartphone etc.
It can also be used to charge another EV. The G80 V2L is up to 3.7 kW. The V2L can only be used if the onboard EV battery has a charge over 20%. V2L can be used via the external V2L capability or via the internal V2L plug.
Safety features include: blind-spot collision-avoidance, blind-spot view monitor, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, intelligent front lighting system and more. There is also the option of a solar roof to extend the EV range.
According to the company, the solar roof can add another 700 electric miles a year, or put another way, approximated 2 miles a day. The solar roof contributes over 266 kWh of electric energy a year. The solar roof is 204 W.
In terms of practicality, the EV offers ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The EV has a 530 L boot and a 25 L frunk. The frunk is best used for storing the EV cable. The charging port is located at the front of the car, so convenient.
In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive (AWD) G80 EV can deliver 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (using the boost function). The boost mode delivers 10 seconds of maximum power and acceleration (370 PS (272 KW)). The top speed is 235 km/h. A good performance, given the additional weight of the onboard EV battery (482.3 kg).
The EV incorporates ‘smart regenerative braking 2.0′, which automatically adjusts the regen profile based on the based on driving behaviour, navigation information and traffic conditions. The EV incorporates one-pedal driving, which the manufacturer refer to as ‘i-Pedal’.
Genesis is keen to emphasise its ‘customer centric’ approach to buying and owning an electric car. The company offers a Personal Assistant ‘to support you throughout your purchase and ownership journey. From arranging a test drive at your home; supporting as you select or configure your new car; and helping arrange servicing, they are always on hand and focused on you’.
Moreover, the company also offers a 5 year ‘Care Plan’ which includes: warranty, servicing, breakdown and more. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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Decent electric range | Expensive. Does not offer an entry-level trim |
Good level of onboard equipment (standard and options) | Limited brand recognition |
DC charging up to 350 kW DC/ 11 kW onboard AC charger | Available in only one EV battery size |
The All-Electric Genesis G80 Electric Saloon (credit: Genesis)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | Saloon |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Trims (1 Option) |
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Genesis G80 Luxury (from Rs N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 87.2 kWh |
Charging: | 350 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 18 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100% : 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
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Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1630 |
Width (mm): | 1995 |
Length (mm): | 4715 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2875 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
Boot Space (L): | 530 |
G80 EV | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 87.2 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 520 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 19.1 |
Charging: | 350 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 22 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100% : 7 hrs 33 mins) |
Top Speed: | 235 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 4.9 seconds (with Boost) |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Max Power (PS): | 370 (272 kW) |
Torque (Nm): | 700 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | N/A |
Colours: | 13 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?
EV Heat Pump: The Basics | |
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What is a heat pump in electric cars? | In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery). |
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months? | Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%. |
How does a heat pump work in an electric car? | Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated. |
Is a heat pump used only for heating? | No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling. |
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs? | Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option. |
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery? | Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase. |
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same? | No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%). |
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months? | Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day! |
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