Hyundai to Launch Plug-in Hybrid in 2012 With Testing Scheduled In US and Korea

Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV Concept

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.

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.

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.

Source: Green Car Congress

Introducing The Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV - Appearing At The NAIAS

Hyundai Press Release:

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2010 - Following Hyundai's successful ascent to the top of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) report in December, the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its U.S. debut at the 2010 North American International Auto.

• Blue-Will is the first-ever plug-in hybrid from Hyundai
• Four-seat sedan concept explores future design direction of compact cars
• Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries
• Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity

Blue-Will serves as a test bed of new ideas that range from roof-mounted solar cells to drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batteries and touch-screen controls. Blue-Will could see the road as a hybrid-only model, similar to the Toyota Prius in the future. Blue-Will promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon. Codenamed HND-4, the Blue-Will is the fourth in a series of highly innovative concept vehicles to come out of the Namyang Design Center.

"Blue-Will's bold character lines and innovative design language give the perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin," said Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design, Hyundai Motor Company. "At a time of rising concern about the environment and our energy future, Blue-Will demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles."

Exterior

"Eco-sleek" was the core concept driving the design process. Its sweeping character lines and detailed form elevate this next-generation hybrid to an entirely new level. Blue-Will's slippery surface treatment extends to the underbody where a full-length cover has been applied to minimize aerodynamic drag while maximizing fuel economy.