Hyundai introduced the 2011 Sonata Hybrid at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday, March 31, its first hybrid in the U.S. market.
The car is claimed to feature two breakthrough technologies - lithium polymer batteries and a full parallel hybrid drive system.
The parallel hybrid drive can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Its architecture differs from the power split technology used by competitor hybrids.
Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, power-density and package flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications, says Hyundai.
Sonata's hybrid system stores its electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses existing nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications.
Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and space-efficient. They are also more weight-efficient. The Sonata Hybrid's battery pack weighs just 95.9 pounds versus the Camry Hybrid's 123.9 pounds.
The compact battery pack resides in the forward portion of the trunk to maximize cargo space.
Sonata Hybrid offers a fuel economy of 39 mpg on highways and 37 mpg in city driving.
The car is claimed to retain its city driving fuel efficiency while on the highway, unlike other hybrids which are less fuel efficient on the highway.
"The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it's not a follower," says John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the mid-size hybrid pack."
