If Japan is leading the way with hybrid and electric technology, then Korea is surely the front-runner for LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) Hybrids.
Now, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has started a test run of LPI hybrids from Hyundai-Kia Motors as taxis – the test period began on December, 3.
According to reports, the Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will select participating taxi companies and support the monitoring of its operation. Meanwhile, Hyundai-Kia will monitor the technologies including making an analysis of the vehicle components’ durability.
A total of 10 taxis will be deployed across five taxi companies in Seoul with the Korea LPG Association to support the supply of fuel for the taxis and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Ministry of the Environment to offer administrative support.
As for the vehicles themselves, they are powered by an LPI Gamma engine displacing 1.6litres, as well as a pancake type permanent magnet synchronous motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Hyundai-Kia Elantra LPI hybrid electric vehicle emits just 99g/km of CO2 – that’s 90 per cent fewer emissions that a standard petrol powered Elantra.
