Hyundai to roll out plug-in hybrid for 2012 in America

Hyundai will launch its first plug-in hybrid in the United States in late 2012. The vehicle will be based on the four-door Blue-Will sports car concept on display now at the Seoul auto show, according to Yang Woong-chul, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors’ R&D division. Yang said Hyundai’s plug-in will target the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius plug-ins.

The Blue-Will sits on a 106-inch wheelbase. It is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection engine teamed with a 100-kilowatt electric motor. Hyundai has developed its own lithium-ion battery.

“Almost every part on this car has been developed in-house,” Yang said. “That will make it possible to make this vehicle affordable.”

Yang said the Blue-Will can travel about 38 miles on electricity only. Hyundai claims a fuel economy rating of 106 mpg in plug-in mode and up to 55 mpg in hybrid-electric mode. The concept car features a panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging. Yang would not estimate the price. He also said the technology is not expected to appear on a Kia vehicle.

[Source: Autoweek]

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