The shape of things soon to be seen at your dealer: Hyundai has increasingly a good hand in styling its models... and is also embarking on state-of-the art technology.  

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai showed some very interesting new models which feature the latest technological advancements developed under their ‘Blue Drive’TM sub-brand.

The four models on display were the ix35 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the BlueOn electric vehicle (EV), the Sonata hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and an Electric Tricycle, named ECCOV.

Just read on...

Hans Knol ten Bensel

ix35 FCEV: testing it in Nordic countries…

The ix35 FCEV incorporates several important innovations over its predecessor, the Tucson FCEV, including a 55% improvement in driving range, a 15% increase in fuel efficiency and an 80% reduction in manufacturing costs.

Hyundai’s third-generation FCEV is equipped with a 100-kilowatt fuel-cell system and two hydrogen storage tanks (700MB).

With fuel efficiency of 31 kilometers per litre, the SUV can travel 650 kilometers on a single charge – a range equal to a gasoline-powered car – and has a maximum speed of 160 kph. It can start in temperatures as low as minus-25 degrees Celsius.

Hyundai recently announced that a test fleet of ix35 FCEVs will run in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland , giving the company a first opportunity in Europe to  showcase its industry-leading hydrogen technology.

Hyundai plans to put the ix35 FCEV into mass production by 2015.

The BlueOn EV: a European debut

Representing a 40 billion won investment over a one-year period, the BlueOn makes its European debut at the 2011 Geneva 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% less weight and 40% less volume; boosting efficiency by 15%; and leaving more interior space for passengers.

Boasting maximum power of 81ps (61kW) and maximum torque of 21.4kg/m (210Nm), the BlueOn has a top speed of 130 kph, and 0-100 kph can be achieved in 13.1 seconds.

The BlueOn can travel as far as 140 kilometers on a single charge. It also accommodates dual recharging methods, via either 220V household power or 380V industrialstrength 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.

Putting Bluon in practice…

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 model appearing on the European stage for the first time in Geneva is the Sonata HEV.

Hyundai’s first full hybrid was designed and developed for the North American market, where sales began at the beginning of 2011. Achieving 40 miles to the gallon (US mpg), 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 vailable in other hybrids.

Another styling exercise which looks quite promising is the curb concept car...

The Sonata Hybrid can be driven in zero emissions, fully electric drive mode at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at speeds higher then 62 mph. 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.

Hyundai currently has no plans however to launch the Sonata HEV in the European market.

An electric tricycle…

Hyundai is looking to suggest a new means of eco-friendly transportation by displaying its first electric tricycle concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new concept model, named ECCOV (Eco Community Vehicle), is developed by an inhouse venture group that consists of a car designer and three automotive research engineers.

The light ECCOV, powered by a 250W in-wheel type brushless DC (BLDC) motor and a 10Ah Lithium-Ion battery, boasts a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Operating exclusively in electric mode, it can travel as much as 50 km on a single charge.

Furthermore, the venture group has also developed a smart phone application that can provide ECCOV riders with tracking analysis and accurate diagnosis of the electric tricycle and notify them of the appropriate time to replace spare parts.

At present, Hyundai has not decided whether to launch the ECCOV in the market place, but just wait for things to come!

Hans Knol ten Bensel