Hyundai Unveils Its First Electric Car
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14th September, 2010
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the company’s - and
Korea’s - first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) named BlueOn, opening a new era in eco-friendly
technology.
Based on Hyundai’s small i10 hatchback, BlueOn was developed over a one year period, with an investment
of approximately 40 billion Won, or AUD$37.2m.
Innovative LiPoly Batteries
BlueOn has a compact body with an overall length of 3,585 mm, overall width of 1,595 mm and overall
height of 1,540 mm. It is equipped with a highly efficient electric motor powered by innovative 16.4 kWh
LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types.
BlueOn boasts a maximum power of 61 kW and maximum torque of 210 Nm.
Pure electric vehicles only operate with a battery and electric motor, with the battery’s lifespan and
storage capacity determining the vehicle’s performance. Hyundai has chosen to use LiPoly batteries over
traditional nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) versions, as LiPoly delivers the same power with 30 per cent less
weight and 40 per cent less volume. Not only does this increase vehicle efficiency, it provides increased
useable interior cabin space for passengers.
Hyundai designed BlueOn to prevent overcharging and conducted hundreds of thousands of kilometres of
endurance testing to ensure safety. BlueOn boasts a maximum speed of 130 km/h, and acceleration of 0-100
km/h is achieved in 13.1 seconds, better than some petrol models in the same class.
Virtual Sound
BlueOn also features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which provides an artificial sound for the
safety of pedestrians, as electric vehicles make very little noise when driving at low speeds.
Recharging
Able to travel as far as 140 km on a single charge, BlueOn accommodates dual recharging capabilities,
either through a 220V household power supply or a 380V industrial-strength power supply, promising quick
recharging speeds. When connected to a household power supply, the battery will be fully recharged within
six hours, while under the ‘quick charge’ method the battery can be recharged to about 80 per cent
capacity within just 25 minutes. Hyundai will collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other
government agencies to build recharging facilities.
In addition, the engine-driven components such as electric motor-driven power steering, electric water
pump and regenerative brake systems have been engineered for BlueOn. For added driver convenience, an
advanced telematics system showing the charge status and location of recharging stations is installed,
while a 10.5cm TFT LCD Supervision Cluster provides voice guidance.
“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 Centre. “Consumers’ interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising and securing
such advanced technology is critical in becoming an industry leader. Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its
carbon footprint and satisfying market needs.”
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Hyundai Motor Company unveiled BlueOn in the presence of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak,
Ministers from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and Ministry of Environment along with other government
and electric-vehicle industry officials. During the unveiling ceremony, President Lee and Hyundai’s Vice
Chairman Lee test drove one of the new vehicles.
Real world test fleet vehicles
Hyundai is planning to provide 30 BlueOn test fleet vehicles to a number of Korean government
organisations over the next few months. The vehicles will be used to develop and test charging
infrastructure over a two year period, and will be showcased during the G20 summit to be held in South
Korea later this year.
Hyundai plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities for BlueOn next year, carrying out test
production and manufacturing approx 2,500 units by the end of 2012.
The name BlueOn derives from Hyundai’s Blue Drive strategy, which encompasses the company’s
eco-friendly products and technologies. The word ‘On’ symbolises “switch on”.
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