While we’ve known of Hyundai’s plans to build a hybrid version of its Elantra sedan for quite some time, new specifics emerged today. Along with being the first mass-produced hybrid to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the car will also be unique in its use of lithium polymer batteries.
The batteries, to be supplied by LG Chem, feature a higher energy density, are less costly to produce, are capable of withstanding more physical abuse and have a longer life before capacity fades than the currently common lithium ion batteries.
The car will at first be launched in South Korea, now known to be in July of 2009, before moving on to other global markets. Hyundai claims the car’s higher price than the standard gasoline-powered Elantra will be offset in as little as two years, basing that claim on South Korea’s current LPG prices.
The fuel-injected LPG engine, dubbed Gamma in Hyundai-speak, will displace 1.6 liters, with its output bolstered by a 15kW (20hp) electric motor, and the two will drive the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The car is said to produce 103g of carbon dioxide per kilometer. In comparison, Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Tiburon emits 193g/km.
07/08, 12:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Does it strike anyone else as slightly disconcerting that Hyundai required a battery capable of withstanding more physical abuse?
07/08, 12:29 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
I find it more disconcerting that LLN thinks Gamma is a korean word. (”…dubbed Gamma in Hyundai-speak”)
07/08, 12:37 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Well.. I’ll take one of those! Let me just run down to the local LPG filling station. Whoops… those don’t exist around here.
Just like E-85… these alternative fuels will never catch on b/c you can’t buy the **** on every corner like you can gasoline.
07/08, 12:39 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Johnny, every time I see someone driving a Hyundai, they drive it as if it were a rental. I’m sure they figure, “I have a 10 year warranty, I’m going to get my money’s worth.”
07/08, 2:12 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Gamma radiation ???lol
07/08, 2:29 PM
posted by:
shaver
LPG is available for commercial sale in most major cities in US. It is cleaner burning then Gas or Diesel and requires less after combustion treatment. Very little engine mods needed to convert from std gas motor.
07/08, 2:49 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
It may be available shaver… but if I have to go hunting around for a station I’m not interested… and neither are most Americans.
I don’t like to imagine driving down the highway… almost out of fuel… and then having to hunt around and hope that Joe’s Food, Fuel, & Fishin’ Supplies is gonna have any on hand. Or do I just need to buy one of those Blue Rhino tanks like I use for my grill?
07/08, 7:26 PM
posted by:
mw_byun
I’m pretty sure that this “LPI Hydrid Elantra” is only for Korean market
07/08, 9:13 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
there’s 3 LPG stations by me & i’m north of dallas a few minutes. actually, lemme rephrase that – there are stations around here that have a PUMP for LPG. i see a few civics @ it every once & a while but thats about it.
& “hyundai speak” & Gamma are cuz hyundai uses the latin language (or is it greek? can’t remember what that is) for its engine terminology.
03/25, 10:42 AM
posted by:
jandrews90
@ mayer_ray_nagin – they don’t think that it’s a korean word, their just saying Hyundai calls it Gamma, where as everyone else would call it a 1.6 Litre fuel-injected LPG engine