Hyundai Motor Group continues to expand its electrification strategy through its Namyang Research and Development Centre in Hwaseong, South Korea.

Established in 1996, the facility serves as the automaker's largest R&D hub and oversees the full vehicle development lifecycle, from initial design to testing and validation.

The centre has led the development of electric vehicles including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV9 and EV3. These models received World Car of the Year titles between 2022 and 2025.

Key highlights

- An aerodynamic research prototype achieved a drag coefficient of 0.144cd using proprietary active aerodynamic technologies
- Environmental test chambers simulate temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius to validate battery performance and cabin comfort
- Driving dynamics laboratories combine mechanical testing with virtual modelling at speeds of up to 320 km/h
- nvh facilities utilise anechoic chambers, virtual reality environments and dolby atmos systems to evaluate cabin acoustics

Aerodynamic testing and EV range

Aerodynamic efficiency influences EV range and energy consumption. Hyundai Motor Group's aerodynamic testing facility spans approximately 6,000 square metres. Its wind tunnel operates with a 3,400-horsepower system capable of simulating airflow speeds of up to 200 km/h. Carbon fibre fan blades reduce noise levels to 54 db at 100 km/h. A rotating belt system replicates ground-level airflow for drag and lift analysis.

Engineers assess drag resistance, vertical forces and wake flow patterns. testing focuses on reducing turbulence behind the vehicle through vortex pattern analysis.

Aero challenge car

The group developed a research prototype known as the aero challenge car to study aerodynamic solutions. The prototype achieved a drag coefficient of 0.144cd using several proprietary active technologies:

- Active cowl cover (ACC): eliminates the gap between the windscreen cowl and the glass to reduce air pressure
- Active rear spoiler (ARS) deploys according to the driving mode to reduce vortex formation and support high-speed stability
- Active side blade (ASB): retractable blades extend the rear overhang by 40 cm to reduce side vortices
- Active rear diffuser (ARD): a fan-shaped diffuser unfolds from the rear underbody to regulate airflow
- 3d integrated undercover: covers more than 87% of the underbody with a contoured surface to manage airflow

These technologies remain experimental and indicate possible future applications in EV design.

Environmental chambers and climate testing

electric vehicles are tested for operation across different climatic conditions. Hyundai Motor Group's environmental chambers simulate temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. Testing includes battery behaviour, power electronics, heating and ventilation efficiency, energy consumption and cabin comfort.

High-temperature simulation

Engineers simulate ambient temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. artificial sunlight at 1,200 Watt/ metre square replicates solar radiation, while thermal manikins evaluate cabin conditions and climate control performance.

Low-temperature simulation

Sub-zero environments down to -30 degrees Celsius assess battery and motor cold-start performance. Heating systems, including heat pumps, are also evaluated.

Snow and rain simulation

Artificial snowfall and rainfall are introduced under low-temperature conditions. Tests examine water and snow ingress at charging ports, front and rear luggage compartments, and seals to assess durability in winter climates.

Driving dynamics laboratories

Ride and handling calibration in electric vehicles accounts for instant torque delivery characteristics. The Namyang Centre combines mechanical testing with virtual modelling to support vehicle development.

- Tyre and road impact testing: evaluates vibration and ride comfort at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Cleats simulate road irregularities, while flat belt surfaces assess tyre stiffness and grip
- Handling simulation: a full-vehicle simulator replicates steering, acceleration and cornering. a 120-inch display recreates virtual road scenarios for slip angle and steering response analysis
- Ride comfort evaluation: suspension modules are tested on rolling road belts with hydraulic actuators, simulating varied road textures using global road data

NVH testing

In the absence of engine noise, other sounds and vibrations are more noticeable in electric vehicles. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance is evaluated as part of vehicle development.

Road noise testing

Testing is conducted in an anechoic chamber paired with a chassis dynamometer. road surface patches replicate asphalt, concrete and rough terrain conditions. microphones capture cabin noise frequencies for analysis.

Immersive sound and virtual evaluation

A sound studio assesses cabin acoustics under simulated driving scenarios. a virtual reality-based evaluation zone recreates intersections, tunnels and parking facilities. Engineers evaluate acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) and directional sound perception. the system enables collaboration with global R&D teams through unreal engine-based simulation.

Sound listening zone

The facility includes dolby atmos (7.1.4) and ambisonic (25-channel) systems. these systems reproduce in-cabin sound environments for evaluation of infotainment audio and acoustic conditions.

Role in electrification strategy

Hyundai Motor Group's Namyang R&D Center supports the organisation's electrification roadmap. its infrastructure covers aerodynamics, environmental validation, driving dynamics and acoustics, supporting development across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and mobility platforms.