Coming up in just a few short days will be the official reveal of Hyundai's Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive, along with a high-line 2.0 liter turbocharged Sonata.
The HBD's power mill is rumored to be the Sonata's 2.4 liter unit (usually making a naturally-aspirated 198 horsepower) hooked up to a hybrid system that uses LG Chem's air-cooled lithium polymer batteries. Why are they so speacial?
Time to learn something (and kudos to Sam Abuelsamid of Green Fuels Forecast and Autoblog fame for making this understandable):
"The lithium ion cells used in most applications use a liquid electrolyte as the transfer medium for the electrons passing between the anodes and cathodes. If the cells overheat, the electrolyte can leak out which can trigger some of the fires that have been experienced with laptop computer batteries. The new batteries use a polymer gel between the electrodes which is considered more stable and flame resistant than the liquids."
Hyundai is probably going to be using a 30kW motor which, when mated to the Sonata's re-engineered six-speed automatic tranny, should be good for the meanest-looking 20-30 mph electric city cruising around.
From the teaser, we can see that Hyundai is looking to make the Sonata Hybrid stand out more from the regular Sonata lineup.
By differentiating its hybrids from the models they are based on (in this case with a more aggressive front fascia), Hyundai is taking a big step toward creating unique, attractive hybrid identity; that's a good thing.
-By Phil Alex
Via: Autoblog Green & GFF
