Hyundai Exhibits the Future

SYDNEY – Sept 15, 2011: Alongside the all-new i30, Hyundai Motor Company is displaying two models which feature the latest technological advancements developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM sub-brand at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). The eco-focused Blue Drive programme is driving the company towards its target of global automotive leadership in the field of environmental sustainability.

The two models on display are the BlueOn electric vehicle (EV) and Sonata hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

BlueOn EV
The BlueOn has made its second appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The full-speed EV is based on Hyundai’s small hatchback, i10.

BlueOn is equipped with a highly-efficient electric motor powered by an innovative 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), including delivery of the same power with 30 percent less weight and 40 percent less volume; boosting efficiency by 15 percent; and leaving more interior space for passengers.

Boasting maximum power of 61kW and maximum torque of 210Nm, the BlueOn has a top speed of 130 kph, and 0-100 kph can be achieved in 13.1 seconds.

BlueOn can travel as far as 140 kilometres on a single charge. It also accommodates dual recharging methods, via either 220V household power or 380V industrial-strength power that promises quick recharging speeds. Using household power, the battery will be fully recharged within six hours. The quick charge method sees the battery recharged to about 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes.

Hyundai has supplied the Korean government with a fleet of BlueOn vehicles until August 2012, providing an opportunity to develop and test charging infrastructures before making a decision on mass production.

Sonata HEV
Another exciting eco-focused model appearing in Frankfurt is the Sonata HEV. Hyundai’s first full hybrid was designed and developed for the North American market, where it went on sale at the beginning of 2011.

Achieving 5.88 litres/100km, the car was entirely developed in-house by Hyundai and includes several technical firsts. These innovations allow the Sonata HEV to provide performance and efficiency improvements not available in other hybrids.

The Sonata Hybrid can be driven in zero emissions, fully electric drive mode, at speeds of up to 100 kph, or in blended petrol-electric mode. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine is shut down to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Like the BlueOn, at the heart of Sonata HEV’s powertrain is the LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery. Hyundai is the first automaker in the world to incorporate this remarkably efficient battery technology into production vehicles. The improved efficiency means that more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine will be available to propel the car when needed, allowing the Sonata HEV to provide electric driving boost more often and for longer periods of time.

At this stage, there is no plan to launch the BlueOn or Sonata HEV in Australia.