Hyundai to Launch Plug-in Hybrid in 2012; Planning PHEV Fleet Testing in Korea and US
12 February 2010
Hyundai will introduce a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to the market in 2012, according to Dr. Byungsoon Min, of Hyundai Motor Company R&D Center, presenting at the SAE 2010 Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Symposium in San Diego this week. In preparation for that launch, he said, the company is planning a fleet test program in Korea and the US.
Hyundai is accelerating its efforts with conventional hybrids, Dr. Min said, noting that Hyundai is “late in launching hybrid vehicles.” Hyundai will launch its full parallel hybrid Sonata in the US this year. (Earlier post.) However, he noted, the company thinks it may be able to lead with its plug-in hybrid technology.
The conventional hybrid Sonata is based on Hyundai’s full parallel Hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which will serve as the foundation for future hybrid drive vehicles to be developed by Hyundai. (Earlier post.) Hybrid Blue Drive as envisioned for the Sonata is made up of nine major components:
- Optimized Theta II 2.4-liter engine;
- Integrated starter generator for stop-start;
- 30 kW electric motor delivering 205 Nm of torque;
- Regenerative braking system;
- 6-speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump;
- 1.4 kWh lithium polymer battery pack (5.3 Ah, 270 V);
- Hybrid power control unit;
- Electric air conditioning compressor; and
- Weight-efficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient.
During the introduction of the 2011 Sonata at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2009, Hyundai said that it would provide more details on the upcoming Sonata hybrid at the 2010 New York International Auto Show in April. (Earlier post.)
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, Hyundai highlighted the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid Concept as presaging its future production PHEVs. (Earlier post.)
The Blue-Will concept is powered by an all-aluminum 152 hp (113 kW) Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.6-liter engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a 100 kW electric motor. The wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. Fuel economy for the Blue-Will in charge sustaining mode (regular hybrid mode) is projected to be 50-55 mpg US (4.7-4.3 L/100km). Hyundai says that vehicle range is 652 miles (1,049 km).
Blue-Will promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of up to 106 mpg US (2.2 L/100km).
In his talk at the SAE event, Min said that Hyundai’s current analysis is concluding that an all electric range of approximately 20 miles, plus or minus 5 miles (i.e., an envelope of 15-25 miles) was a likely target for the 2012 production PHEV.
Good news for HEV and PHEV buyers.
Both Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius III may have serious competition. Hyundai will certainly put price pressure on those two.
More competition will force everbody to look at lower cost ways of doing it.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 February 2010 at 03:26 PM
I still wish someone would build a 'contractor special PHEV pickup'. Use lead acid batteries from Firefly Energy and use part of the bed for batteries. You could have a PHEV for under $20000 after the tax credit, maybe closer to $15000.
Posted by: vbstenswick | 13 February 2010 at 12:55 AM
vbs:
There is only one pickup truck amongst the 170 cars in our building garages.
The gentleman with the F-150 has been trying to sell it for the last 12 months. The asking price is going down at the rate of $1000+ a month with no takers. Local garages are offering $15,000 discounts on brand new units. The supply and demand is in favour of buyers.
Wonder if your electrified pickup would be more popular. Could be... An AWD electrified crossover may have more takers. The pickup fad is not as strong as it used to be in many places.
Posted by: HarveyD | 13 February 2010 at 09:29 AM
While we strongly support all hybrids and EVs - this entry with a paltry 1.4kWh battery pack - is WAY too little too late.
The car game moves much faster than this Hyundai.
Posted by: sulleny | 13 February 2010 at 02:17 PM
Hyundai, KIA, Suzuki and others can make a cost effective PHEVs. This is a great chance for the second and third string auto companies to leap frog the competition.
Posted by: SJC | 14 February 2010 at 10:15 AM