Hyundai Motor Group is pursuing a patent in the United States for an innovative battery case that integrates the battery pack with the vehicle chassis. This groundbreaking design allows the vehicle’s floor to double as the battery case, effectively reducing space requirements while increasing energy storage capacity. Hyundai aims to continue researching battery technology, a critical component of EVs. Commercializing this technology will secure a competitive edge in the market.
According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Tuesday, Hyundai and Kia are in the process of securing a patent titled “Battery Case.” The patent application was filed on October 26, 2023, and published on November 14, 2024. The core innovation lies in integrating the vehicle structure with the battery case, eliminating the need for a separate enclosure.
Conventional EV designs typically require separate assembly of the body and battery case, necessitating dedicated space on the vehicle floor to house the battery. Hyundai’s new patent allows the vehicle’s floor to serve as the upper part of the battery case. This ingenious approach not only saves space but also enables the installation of larger battery packs. The elimination of unnecessary components contributes to overall weight reduction, enhancing vehicle efficiency. Moreover, this design minimizes the risk of battery damage during collisions and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need to remove a separate battery case.
This concept is not entirely new to the automotive industry. U.S. EV manufacturer Tesla and electric vehicle startup Canoo have reportedly developed similar technologies.
Hyundai Motor Group’s active pursuit of patents in the United States underscores its commitment to securing cutting-edge battery technology and bolstering its position in the rapidly evolving eco-friendly vehicle market. Batteries account for approximately 40% of an electric vehicle’s cost, so their development is crucial to Hyundai’s strategy. The company is advancing its battery technology through dedicated research at its Battery Development Center within its R&D headquarters.
Hyundai announced an ambitious investment plan last year totaling approximately KRW 68 trillion ($47 billion) in South Korea by 2026. About KRW 31.1 trillion ($21.5 billion) has been allocated for R&D focused on electrification and in-house battery technology development. Hyundai filed a patent for solid-state batteries in China in May of last year, followed by a patent for foldable solid-state batteries in the U.S. by the end of 2023.
