Hyundai Mobis unveils new grille technology for EVs

South Korea’s largest auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis announced on June 17 that it has developed a new grille technology that allows drivers to use the front grille of their cars as LED lighting devices.

Following the switchover to electric vehicles and self-driving cars, the newly developed lighting grille allows drivers to use the entire front grille as a lighting device instead of an engine cooling vent.

The grille can also be used as means of communication with other automobiles and pedestrians. For example, the grille can run on various modes such as self-driving mode and EV charging mode as well as offering a welcome light or a warning light function to alert drivers or pedestrians that get too close. It can even display sound beats.

This lighting technology has yet to be mass-produced globally. Hyundai Mobis is currently inspecting the lighting grille with plans to commercialize it next year.

Hyundai Mobis also introduced the newly developed 'grille integral active air flap' technology, which moves the grille based on the coolant temperature and controls the outside air inflow to keep the engine and motor cool.

If the coolant temperature is too high, the grill will automatically open the flap to cool down the engine while reducing air resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust gas. 

Last year, Hyundai Mobis also developed the world's first virtual engine sound system using EV grilles. The technology produces virtual engine sounds, turn signal sounds and the EV charging alarm sound. It can also be used as a speaker to listen to music while camping.
 
Hyundai Mobis plans to expand its business in the future mobility segment such as self-driving and connectivity by targeting finished car makers abroad. The company also seeks to tap into new mobility services such as robot taxi and identify its future growth drivers via new businesses such as urban air mobility (UAM).

Write to Il-gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com
Danbee Lee edited this article.