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For some time we've known that Hyundai's
Blue Drive is a hybrid drive that utilizes lithium
polymer batteries, rather than the NiMH batteries
powering many of today's hybrid vehicles, making the Sonata hybrid the lightest hybrid sedan.
Likewise lithium should also ensure that the Sonata hybrid, unlike other hybrid sedans, such as the Toyota Camry hybrid, will not have to sacrifice either cabin or cargo room to accomodate its battery pack.
More important, the Sonata hybrid is a hybrid, and most hybrid buyers are most interested in fuel economy. According to Hyundai, the Sonata hybrid will achieve 39 mpg on the highway and 37 mpg in the city. Nevertheless, the EPA will still have to finalize those numbers.
Outside of performance numbers, Hyundai engineers are promising that the Sonata hybrid's 6-speed transmission should be the smoothest in its class.
Fuel economy, battery, performance - what else is there?
Price. According to some reports, Hyundai is planning to undercut the price of the Camry hybrid by $1500.
Making the move to lithium
Aside from fuel economy and price; however, the Sonata hybrid's lithium battery is still one of the most intriguing things about Hyundai's first US hybrid.
Hyundai's lithium battery is also a good bit different
than the lithium batteries being explored by virtually
every other automaker. So, this is a move that could
instantly turn Hyundai into a major player in the hybrid
segment.
Battery
experts suggest that mass manufacturing of lithium
polymer batteries could be much more cost effective than
other lithium battery technologies.
Currently,
Hyundai is already selling lithium polymer hybrids in
South Korea.
Expect the
Hyundai Sonata hybrid to hit the States later this year. |
