Hyundai Motor Company has been busy in the past two years developing green vehicles for the South Korean government. The automaker produced 30 BlueOn electric vehicles for the national government fleet in 2010. This delivery also included the Elec-City battery-powered bus tested over the past few months in Seoul. Hyundai’s latest effort is the Blue-City hybrid bus powered in part by compressed natural gas (CNG). The first unit of the Blue-City bus was released last week, representing the first foray by South Korea into CNG commercial vehicles.

The heart of the Blue-City CNG bus is the G-CNG Engine developed by Hyundai. This 177kW CNG engine works with a 3.8kWh lithium-ion battery and a 60kW electric motor to power the bus. Hyundai will also use a six-speed manual transmission with an automatic override to increase drive system efficiency. The Blue-City CNG bus is projected to produce 24% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than competing CNG buses and 35% fewer emissions than traditional diesel buses.

Estimated performance metrics for the Blue-City ensure the vehicle’s competitiveness with traditional buses. The maximum speed for each unit should be 62 miles per hour, which is sufficient for hill climbs and highway speeds. This CNG bus should be on track with alt-fuel buses on the market with an estimated range of 211 miles. Hyundai noted that this range estimate is an improvement upon the prototype because the production model features five CNG fuel tanks instead of seven. These metrics would represent a 40% fuel efficiency boost compared to the average CNG bus.

The Blue-City CNG bus should hit South Korean cities starting in 2012. Hyundai and local governments throughout the country plan to test 30 Blue-City buses over the next year. These tests will look at the daily performance of each vehicle including total range and maintenance needs. Regional transit authorities have invested in CNG refueling stations for bus depots to accommodate these buses. The benefits of the Blue-City go beyond emissions reductions for South Korea. Hyundai has highlighted the fuel savings for transit systems that switch from diesel to natural gas. South Korea can circumvent future energy gluts in Asia by focusing on a renewable energy source that can be produced within its borders.

Korean automaker Hyundai has been developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for the past decade. Test vehicles have traveled more than 1.2 million miles since 2004. Hyundai’s commitment to fuel-cell sedans and SUVs has yielded significant improvements in the past six years. The second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) featured a 230-mile range with a fuel economy rating of 64 miles per gallon. This vehicle will soon be eclipsed by the Hyundai Tucson ix FCEV, a third-generation vehicle slated for release in 2015.

The Tucson ix FCEV includes a 21kW lithium-ion battery, a 100kW fuel cell stack and a pair of hydrogen storage tanks. Hyundai notes that the new fuel-cell stack is 20% lighter than the previous generation thanks to lightweight components. This drive system is capable of traveling up to 404 miles per trip, which is competitive with gas-powered sedans currently on the market. The fuel economy equivalent for the Tucson ix FCEV is 73 miles per gallon, which is a 15% improvement over the second-generation FCEV. Hyundai developed the fuel-cell drive system to start at temperatures as low as -12⁰ F. This advancement would allow consumers in mountainous and cold-weather areas to take advantage of fuel-cell technology.

The first appearance of the Tucson ix FCEV was a concept version at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This introduction was welcomed with great enthusiasm by auto industry experts as well as governments around the world. Hyundai is already working with agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy to incorporate the Tucson ix FCEV into future demonstration and incentive programs. The automaker participated in the department’s Learning Demonstration Program from 2004 to 2009 in order to get the first two generations of FCEVs on American roads.

Hyundai is also playing to Korean consumers with the latest FCEV design. The automaker noted during the announcement that 95% of components came from Korean producers. The inclusion of more than 120 parts produced in South Korea pleases government officials and consumers interested in boosting local manufacturing. The national government is working with Hyundai to include 48 Tucson ix FCEVs in the country’s Domestic Fleet Program in 2011. Hyundai’s fuel-cell innovations are promising but these developments mean little without advancements in refueling technology and investment.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) inked an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hankuk Fiber in September 2009 to create eco-friendly buses. This agreement was hailed at the time as Seoul’s first step toward a public transit system that was independent of foreign oil. The SMG announced last week that this partnership will bear fruit over the next decade. Officials with the city government have stated that at least 120,000 electric vehicles will be introduced by 2020. This influx of electric vehicles would replace 50% of all buses and at least 10% of passenger vehicles based on December 2010 figures.

SMG and its corporate partners are heading in the right direction thanks to a handful of electric buses operating at Mt. Namsan. Five battery-powered buses ran their first routes in the Mt. Namsan area on December 21st. This initial delivery by Hyundai and Hankuk will be followed by nine additional buses in the next two years to fully replace diesel-powered buses on this route. SMG opened two recharging stations along the route in December with two more chargers planned for March 2011. The Mt. Namsan model figures to be replicated throughout the metro area in the next decade.

Projected metrics for the Hyundai/Hankuk buses show that all-electric buses are the present instead of the distant future. Hyundai added an advanced lithium-ion battery, a 240kW electric motor and regenerative braking to ensure high performance. Hankuk Fiber developed a lightweight bus frame made from carbon composite that can absorb blows without bogging down the drive system. SMG notes that each bus can travel up to 52 miles per charge with a charge time of 30 minutes using a dedicated battery charger. The maximum speed of 62 miles per hour allows each SMG bus to travel on city roads and highways with ease.

The Mt. Namsan route run by the SMG should demonstrate to doubters in Seoul that electric vehicles can withstand the stresses of daily driving. This peak is heavily traveled by outdoor enthusiasts and state officials, which will show the EV’s ability to navigate traffic safely. Daily routes ascending nearly 900 feet will put vehicle range and power to the test. The data collected from 14 electric buses running on Mt. Namsan could open the door to sedans, sanitation trucks and other EVs that exceed SMG’s expectations.

The 2011 North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year will be announced at next week’s North American International Auto Show. These awards are incredibly competitive with every new vehicle considered by 49 industry experts from North America and Canada. This jury features journalists, bloggers and writers who have looked at these vehicles through critical lenses. The rigorous review process yielded three finalists in the Car of the Year category that are fuel efficient. The Truck of the Year category shows the limitations of green vehicle technology with finalists like the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Finalists for the 2011 North American Car of the Year include the Nissan LEAF, the Chevy Volt and the Hyundai Sonata. These selections represent the first time in the award’s 18-year history where every finalist was powered in part by electricity. The 2010 North American Car of the Year was the Ford Fusion Hybrid while the 2010 North American Truck of the Car was the Ford Transit Connect. Jurors on this year’s award panel selected finalists based on their commercial viability, affordability and representation of future industry trends.

These selections show the present disconnect between the promise of green vehicles and the ability of automakers to fulfill this promise. Nissan delivered the first round of LEAF EVs to customers on the West Coast this month with a gradual release scheduled next year. Chevy has been celebrated with year-end awards by Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine but most of their Volts are going to fleet customers. The Hyundai Sonata hybrid has been popular thus far though this acclaim is connected to the positive reviews given by industry experts for the standard Sonata. All three models need to be produced on a grander scale to fulfill public interest in these vehicles.

This slate of cars and trucks shows that the automobile industry has responded to interest in green vehicles with mixed results. The Nissan LEAF EV and the Chevy Volt are well known in the public thanks to aggressive marketing campaigns. Hyundai will continue to build on the popularity of its sedans by packaging fuel-efficient drive systems in familiar frames. We cannot expect a broader acceptance of hybrid, alt-fuel and electric vehicles until truck manufacturers bring new models to the market. The chasm between the fuel-efficient Car of the Year candidates and the gas-guzzling Truck of the Year candidates needs to be bridged in the near future.

Hyundai introduced South Korea’s first highway-capable EV last week during a presentation at the Blue House in Seoul. The BlueOn EV is the product of a $32 million R&D investment by Hyundai over the past two years. This compact EV was built with the same body and chassis as the i10 coupe. The Blue House presentation featured a test drive by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak as well as a demonstration for 50 politicians and industry experts.

The BlueOn EV is powered by a 16.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor. The battery can be recharged in six hours using a standard outlet. Hyundai noted that the quick-charge feature can bring the battery back to 80% capacity in 25 minutes. The BlueOn can recharge the battery in transit using a regenerative braking system. Saved energy can be used to power electric steering, electric water pumps and other innovative components.

Performance metrics for the BlueOn EV would make the production version competitive with other compact cars. Hyundai notes that the current range is 87 miles per charge, which would be sufficient for commutes in South Korea. The BlueOn can reach a maximum speed of 81 miles per hour that would allow for certification as a highway-capable vehicle. This compact EV may be a bit sluggish with a 0-60 acceleration time of 13 seconds.

Hyundai is unveiling two new features as part of its BlueOn rollout. The TFT LCD Supervision Cluster is an onboard computer that provides audio updates on battery life and recharging station locations. The Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) is a response to concerns that EVs could endanger pedestrians. Hyundai designed the VESS to create a simulated engine sound that would alert pedestrians to the presence of the BlueOn.

The first 30 BlueOn EVs will be delivered to South Korean government agencies by the end of October. These EVs will be used during the G20 Summit in November to promote the nation’s efforts at sustainable transportation. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Hyundai will test these EVs on city streets to assess infrastructure needs. The BlueON EV is set for production starting in December 2012 with an initial production quota of 2,500 units per year.

Korean automaker Hyundai has already made headway into the traditional coupe and sedan markets with low prices and high-quality vehicles. Hyundai is now breaking into America’s growing hybrid market with the Sonata Hybrid. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid made its first appearance in the United States at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. This hybrid sedan does not yet have a release date but Hyundai is hoping that its Hybrid Blue Drive system can revolutionize the market.

The Hybrid Blue Drive system is built with a 2.4-liter engine, a 30kW electric motor and a six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also features a Hybrid Power Control (HPC) system that shuts off the engine at a full stop. As a driver begins to accelerate, this system activates an electric generator to restart the engine without using gasoline. The Sonata Hybrid also collects kinetic energy through a regenerative braking system. Hyundai highlighted the 34kW lithium-ion polymer battery pack in its New York presentation. This innovative battery chemistry allows for greater energy storage without the heft and dimensions of a standard car battery.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stacks up to comparable hybrids based on its early performance testing. The Sonata Hybrid is projected to achieve fuel economy ratings of 39 miles per gallon on the highway. The only mid-size hybrid sedans that compare with this highway rating are the 2010 Toyota Prius and the 2010 Ford Fusion. Hyundai also notes that this new hybrid can travel up to 60 miles per hour on all-electric power. The Sonata Hybrid uses lithium-ion polymer chemistry while competing hybrids like the Toyota Camry and Lexus HS250h use nickel-metal hydride batteries. Hyundai is hoping that these distinctions will set the Sonata Hybrid apart from the competition.

Hyundai’s presentation of the Sonata Hybrid shows that the hybrid sedan market is going to become very competitive in the next five years. Toyota’s position as the king of the hybrid mountain has been diminished with Ford, Honda and Hyundai beginning to gain ground. As the Toyota Prius falls back to Earth, the hybrid market will open up to dozens of models trying to stay ahead of the next generation of innovations. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid may not have the highest fuel economy on the market but its all-electric capabilities, HPC system and battery pack will improve in future versions.

The Hyundai presentation at the Geneva Motor Show is showing why this Korean automaker is making an upward push in the global hybrid market. Hyundai set the table for green vehicle innovation with five new models powered by the automaker’s Blue Drive system. This in-house system comes with a stop/start system and an efficient gas engine that produces fuel economy in excess of 30 miles per gallon. These models may not be full hybrids or all-electrics but they will introduce high-mileage models to consumers worldwide. Hyundai also looked into the future at the Geneva Motor Show with the world debut of the i-flow diesel hybrid concept.

Hyundai presented the i-flow diesel hybrid as a smorgasbord of green vehicle innovations that will be incorporated in future models. The drive system created in conjunction with BASF features a 1.7-liter diesel engine, a six speed automatic transmission and a lithium-polymer battery pack. The i-flow diesel hybrid also comes with a set of solar panels on the roof as a nod to the future of green vehicle power. The most remarkable aspect of this concept is the projected 78.4 miles per gallon rating determined through Hyundai’s laboratory testing.

This extraordinary fuel economy is achieved through thermal engine encapsulation, thermoelectric heat recovery and eco-friendly driving. Thermal engine encapsulation allows the engine to store excess heat while idling for use when the vehicle needs to be restarted. This excess heat keeps the engine closer to its optimal temperature, thereby eliminating sluggish starts that can burn off fuel. Hyundai projects that thermal engine encapsulation could cut fuel consumption by up to 9%. The thermoelectric generator in the exhaust manifold collects exhaust heat and turns it into electrical energy, which can reduce fuel consumption by 5%. Hyundai’s eco-drive system allows drivers to reduce fuel consumption further by plotting eco-friendly routes and switching to the MPG-friendly ECO drive function.

The i-flow diesel hybrid is only a concept in 2010 but it represents the next frontier for automotive technology. Hyundai is only one of a handful of automakers looking at clever ways to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The i-flow’s sleek packaging and incorporation of multiple fuel-saving elements stands out from the rest of the field. Given Hyundai’s rising profile in the traditional auto market, it is not difficult to see this rising brand as a potential leader in the hybrid vehicle market.

Hyundai first showcased its Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. The Blue-Will reappeared last week at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Hyundai not only wanted to show the future of its hybrid vehicle fleet but prime the pump for its summer 2010 release of the BlueDrive Sonata hybrid. The BlueDrive Sonata will use the same hybrid drive system and a few of the components found in the Blue-Will.

The Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept is powered by a 1.6-liter engine, a 100kW electric motor and an innovative lithium polymer battery. Hyundai added a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to this concept to boost fuel economy without weakening performance. The lithium polymer battery has already been introduced to the market via the Elantra LPi hybrid electric vehicle. The Blue-Will is designed to operate on all-electric power for up to 40 miles, achieving a fuel economy equivalent of 106 miles per gallon (MPG). The drive system is projected to achieve a fuel mileage of 50 to 55 MPG in pure hybrid mode. Hyundai touts an overall range of 652 miles based on efficiencies in the drive system and auxiliary systems.

Hyundai added solar panels and a thermoelectric generator to reduce energy demands on the hybrid drive system. The Blue-Will features a sun roof with solar panels connected to a cooling fan in the cockpit, which would make driving more comfortable in hot conditions. The thermoelectric generator captures heat from the exhaust system. This component converts heat into electric energy that is used to power the radio, climate control and other auxiliary components. Hyundai is also premiering features that will be incorporated in hybrid vehicles over the next decade including drive-by-wire steering and touch-screen controls and monitors.

Observers at the 2010 NAIAS saw why Hyundai has slowly but surely caught up to Toyota and Honda in terms of green vehicle development. Hyundai has already begun sales of the Elantra LPI HEV in South Korea while gauging interest, infrastructure and production capabilities for a global release. The BlueDrive Sonata set for release in August will offer a legitimate alternative to the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid in North America. The Blue-Will presented in Detroit last week will serve as a template for Hyundai as hybrids give way to all-electric and alternative fuel vehicles in the future.

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group spent the past three years developing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for its hybrid models. The auto company announced last week that this CVT would be incorporated into the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid. The Hyundai-Kia CVT may be used in future hybrid and traditional models with retooling according to the automaker’s representatives. The introduction of LPI hybrids with CVTs along with the long-planned unveiling of a hybrid Hyundai Sonata model in 2010 will put this company in good position for the future.

The centerpiece of both LPI hybrids produced by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is a 1.6-liter Gamma LPI engine. The LPI engine is powered by a 15kw magnet synchronous motor and a 180-volt lithium-ion polymer battery. The lightweight materials used to produce the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte allow both vehicles to squeeze out greater fuel efficiency than standard models. Hyundai-Kia claims that its upcoming LPI hybrids are capable of a gas-equivalent EPA rating of 53 miles per gallon, which is a 47% increase of standard models. The automaker attributed this increase to the standard 7% increase in fuel efficiency for CVTs along with the use of LPI.

Beyond the fuel mileage gains, Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group hopes that the LPI and CVT combination appeals to eco-conscious consumers and traditional drivers. The company’s LPI hybrids will create 90% less carbon dioxide emissions than the standard Elantra. This emissions reduction qualifies both vehicles for the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) distinction. Hyundai-Kia is appealing to drivers accustomed to smooth rides by pointing out the seamless transition from gear to gear in its CVT models.

The upcoming additions to the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group promise to bring cleaner vehicles to the average consumer. The Hyundai Elantra and most of Kia’s traditional vehicle lineup are popular among first-time car buyers and budget-conscious consumers. Hyundai, in particular, has developed a strong reputation for quality vehicles among consumers in the United States. The availability of LPI nationwide and increasing familiarity by consumers with CVTs should get prospective drivers past their skepticisms about new drive technology. These past experiences with Hyundai and Kia should translate into good sales numbers for the LPI and hybrid-electric models hitting the market in 2010.

Hyundai is taking the Frankfurt Motor Show by storm with two world debuts and multiple existing models remade for the future. The headliner for Hyundai’s Frankfurt presentation is the i10 Electric, an all-electric coupe intended initially for government agencies, businesses and utility companies. The i10 Electric features a 16kWh lithium-ion battery and 49kW electric motor, adding some zip to this diminutive vehicle. Hyundai states that the i10 Electric can reach 81 miles per hour and travel 99 miles on a single charge.

The second world debut made by Hyundai at Frankfurt is the ix-Metro, which is set to hit the South Korean market by 2010. The ix-Metro is a hybrid-electric compact utility vehicle (CUV) featuring a 1.0-liter turbocharged gas engine with a continuously variable transmission and a six-speed transmission. Hyundai is focusing on the European market with the ix-Metro by keeping carbon dioxide emissions below standards set by the European Union.

Hyundai is dusting off a pair of Blue Drive vehicles premiered earlier this year in Seoul for the benefit of European drivers. The Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid owns the distinction of being the first production vehicle to use advanced lithium-ion polymer packs. The Elantra LPI Hybrid is also known as the first hybrid vehicle to be powered primarily by liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The Blue Will Plug-In HEV shows the versatility of Hyundai’s design team by blending propulsion systems of the future with the designs of the present.

The remainder of Hyundai’s presentation at Frankfurt features new looks at previously presented models. The i30 is back with a Blue Drive system, engine shut-off feature and efficient drive train to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Hyundai is presenting a diesel version of its Santa Fe SUV complete with six-speed automatic transmission and all of the comforts of the original model. The automaker is also packaging a European take on its ix35 with a diesel engine and a six speed auto transmission.

It would be too easy to say that Hyundai is throwing out a bunch of models to hedge its bets on future developments. By throwing out LPGs, hybrid electrics, diesels and other models at Frankfurt, Hyundai is simply showing its ability to design multiple vehicle types at the same time. The Frankfurt Motor Show should vault Hyundai into contention with automakers like Nissan and Toyota as long as they can turn prototypes into reality. As long as the ix-Metro and other models roll off production lines soon, Hyundai’s 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will be a promise rather than a pipe dream.