Hyundai, already the most fuel-efficient automaker in the U.S., has taken another big step forward by introducing South Korea’s “full-speed electric vehicle,” the BlueOn.
Based on the Hyundai i10 city car (not currently available in America), the BlueOn gets its power from a high-efficiency electric motor that’s hooked up to an innovative, lightweight battery pack. The batteries themselves leverage the latest lithium-ion polymer technology, which delivers the same power as the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in many of today’s current EVs, but with 30 percent less weight and 40 percent less volume. The result is both increased efficiency and more interior space for the car’s cabin.
But that’s just one example of how Hyundai designed the BlueOn to be a practical package for real-world drivers. The car also has a top speed of more than 80 mph and an all-electric, emissions-free driving range of more than 86 miles, making it perfectly suitable as an everyday driver, and there are two different recharging options for added convenience. The BlueOn can be recharged to about 80 percent of its full capacity in under 25 minutes with a industrial quick-charge unit or get completely “refueled” within six hours using a 220-volt home charger.
The next phase in the BlueOn’s development will be the launch of a 30-car demonstration fleet that Hyundai plans to have on the road in South Korea by the end of October. These vehicles will be used for further testing and to help the country prepare its infrastructure for the expected onslaught of mass-produced EVs. By the end of 2012, Hyundai expects to have some 2,500 BlueOn vehicles in operation in South Korea, and while the automaker didn’t provide production details, it would be a major shock if Hyundai’s EV wasn’t on sale to the public soon after.
“We are proud to introduce the world to BlueOn, which was fully developed in Korea and displays Hyundai’s latest technological advancements,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, vice chairman at Hyundai’s corporate R&D center. “Consumers’ interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising, and Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and satisfying market needs.”
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Great news guys keep up the good work.
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