Automatic weight detection from Hyundai

Hyundai has developed a system for the automatic weight detection of commercial vehicles. This should make the electric drive more efficient and also increase driving comfort.

The drive train of vehicles is traditionally designed for maximum performance in all cases of need. This applies to cars in which high-torque diesels ensure high pulling loads when towing trailers, as well as to commercial vehicles. The latter present designers with new tasks, particularly in the case of electrified and electrical drives.

Hyundai has now developed an automatic weight detection system for light commercial vehicles. Data from the acceleration sensors are used to derive the current load status. When driving empty, the torque can thus be reduced, which reduces power consumption and increases the range.

More efficiency and greater comfort

In addition, driving comfort can be increased by spinning drive wheels before the traction control is used. As soon as the commercial vehicle is loaded and therefore heavier, more torque can be made available for the drive depending on the weight gain from the electric motor. The system should also take into account the route topography. The power output can then be increased accordingly before gradients and reduced on gradients.

Hyundai promises a cost advantage because the new technology does not require expensive components such as air suspension or level control. In addition, the on-board computer with the vehicle weight data should be able to calculate the possible remaining range significantly more precisely.

Fuel cell trucks from 2020

The Koreans want to offer the new system in future commercial vehicles. It is quite possible that it will be on board in the fuel cell truck that will be used in Switzerland from 2020. So far, Hyundai has been active in Germany with the H350 on the commercial vehicle market. The large van as a competitor to Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter and Co. was recently removed from the program.