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.
