Hyundai: An Improved Sonata Hybrid And A Plug-In One

At the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai just announced they would produce their very-first plug-in hybrid, the Sonata PHEV. 

The sedan will feature a 9.8 kWh battery, which is six times larger than the one found in the Sonata Hybrid. This should give it a range of 35 km in all-electric mode.

A 50 kW electric motor is located in the six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the torque converter. When the battery runs out of electricity a 2-litre four-cylinder engine takes over. During the first 100 kilometres, the Sonata Hybrid PHEV can achieve a fuel consumption rate of 2.5L/100 km. Using gasoline as the only energy source, we can expect an average of 5.9L/100 km. A full charge should take 2 hours with a dedicated charging station, or 5 hours using a normal wall plug.

The Hyundai Sonata PHEV will be available in dealerships shortly.

Hyundai also presented a new-and-improved version of the Sonata Hybrid, which will be available as a 2016 model.

The 2.4 litre four-cylinder was replaced by a smaller unit: while it now only displaces 2 litres, it is helped by a larger 38 kW electric motor. Hyundai places this motor in the transmission, which means that the power being sent to the front wheels is linear; drivers shouldn’t feel any difference compared to a standard Sonata. The transmission is now fitted with an electric oil pump, helping reduce parasitic losses from the engine. Overall, the Sonata Hybrid now boasts 193 horsepower and a fuel economy rating of 5.6L/100 km.

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