The North American International Auto Show in Detroit marked the US debut of Hyundai’s Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept that was first introduced at the Seoul Motor Show in 2009.
The Blue-Will represents a myriad of new ideas including roof-mounted solar cells, drive-by-wire steering, touch screen controls and lithium polymer batteries. It promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40miles on a single charge with a fuel economy rating at the equivalent of 106mpg.
Among the features of the Hyundai Blue-Will is an all-aluminium 152hp petrol direct injected 1.6litre engine that is connected to a continuously variable transmission. The vehicle features a 100kW electric motor at its heart with fuel economy in charge sustaining mode estimated to be between 50 and 55mpg with Hyundai stating that the vehicle has a range of 652miles.
To maximise luggage space the fuel tank is located under the rear seat alongside the lithium polymer batteries that can be recharged using a household current. Hyundai is the first car marker in the world to incorporate lithium polymer batteries in mass production after putting the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle on sale in Korea last year. It will also use this battery technology in the 2011 Sonata BlueDrive hybrid.
Efficiencies are further improved thanks to low-rolling resistance tyres, low-drag brakes and the panoramic glass roof with solar cells that provide a trickle of charge to help operate a cabin cooling fan, reducing interior temperatures.
