Hyundai has raised the bar for diesel-electric hybrid vehicles with its Blue-Will Plug-In Hybrid concept car which is capable of fuel consumption as low as 2.35l/100kms (42.5 kms per litre).
Like the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle which Hyundai launched in South Korea last year, the new concept car uses Lithium Polymer batteries which can be recharged using household electricity. Most other hybrid vehicles use Lithium-Ion battery technology.
However the Blue-Will concept car also generates electrical energy from a thermal generator fitted in the exhaust manifold which converts hot exhaust gases into power. Roof-mounted solar cells also provide renewable energy from the sun.
Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder diesel engine provides 113kW of power with an additional 100kW coming from the electric motor.
Drive is via a Continuously variable Transmission (CVT) which can turn the wheels via petrol or electric power or both together.
The aerodynamic bodywork was designed in Korea at Hyundai's Namyang Design Centre.
Inside is a center stack console with touch screen technology and an 'Eco-Coach' which provides continuous feedback on fuel consumption and driving habits to encourage fuel savings.
