Hyundai’s First Electric Car Debuts - 'BlueOn'

by Brad Leach under News on 13 Sep 2010 01:10:57 PM13 Sep 2010

Hyundai’s First Electric Car Debuts - 'BlueOn'2

Already the world’s fastest-growing automotive brand, Korean giant Hyundai has upped the ante even further by unveiling its first electric vehicle – the BlueOn.

Over the next few months, Hyundai will supply 30 examples of the BlueOn – based on its i10 compact car – to Korean Government organizations. These will be showcased at the global G20 Economic Summit, being held in South Korea later this year, but their main purpose is a two-year test program to assist with the development of battery charging infrastructure.

Meanwhile Hyundai will be expanding its manufacturing facilities to cope with BlueOn production – the company hopes to have the first 2,500 BlueOn vehicles on the road by the end of 2012.

The compact BlueOn is powered by a 61kW/210Nm electric motor with a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer (LiPoly) battery. Hyundai opted for the LiPoly technology as these batteries are 40 per cent smaller and 30 per cent lighter than equivalent nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Top speed is 130km/h and zero to 100km/h takes just 13.1 seconds – faster than some petrol-fuelled compact cars.

The BlueOn can travel 140kms on a single battery charge and, for recharging, either a 220V household power supply or a 380V industrial strength source can be accommodated. When recharged at home, the BlueOn requires six hours for a full charge or just 25 minutes for an 80 per cent recharge using its quick-charge mode.

Hyundai has said it will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other Korean agencies to build recharging facilities.

Inside, the BlueOn has a 10.5cm TFT LCD screen with voice guidance showing the charge status of the battery and the location of nearby recharging stations.

While automotive companies are striving to deliver the zero emission/environmental benefits of electric vehicles, predictably another lobby group has surfaced – this time criticizing the noiseless operation of electric vehicle on the basis of pedestrian safety! So Hyundai has taken the unusual step of fitting the BlueOn with a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) to create an artificial noise when driving.