Korean automaker, Hyundai, is preparing to launch its first hybrid model. The Elantra LIP Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is being marketed under the Avante brand and is the first hybrid vehicle in the world to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The vehicle is also the first to use advanced Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) batteries.

“The Elantra LPI HEV demonstrates Hyundai’s innovative approach: We have leveraged Hyundai’s world leadership in LPG-fueled vehicles to develop a hybrid that will be very economical to operate,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, president of the Research and Development Division.” Source: Hyundai

Initial estimates show that the vehicle will cost 50% less to operate than a non-hybrid Elantra and 40% less than its competitors. Although the Elantra LPI HEV costs more than the conventional model, the lower operating costs will lead to a cost recoupment time of two years. This is significantly less than many hybrids currently on the market here in the United States.

The vehicle will only be sold in Korea but the company will look at expanding into markets with an existing LPG distribution infrastructure.

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Filed Under: Hyundai, Liquid Petroleum Gas

While Hyundai is working on a hybrid Sonata and the goal of achieving a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015 (five years ahead of the US mandate), the company is also working on a carbon-offset plan for its Hyundai Genesis model. The project will be known as the Genesis Forest Project and is a collaborative effort between Hyundai, Carbonfund.org and Brazil’s Ecological Institute.

The goal of the Genesis Forest Project is “to offset the entire first year of emissions for all 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedans sold in the United States. Hyundai anticipates that the Genesis Forest Project will offset 93,170 metric tons of CO2 through the permanent conservation and reforestation of 3,000 acres of tropical forest in Brazil. The offset program reduces emissions and improves efficiency across the Hyundai model line-up.”

Hyundai’s carbon offset efforts is based near Tocantins, Brazil and will be utilizing the Social Carbon methodology to ensure “that the long-term contribution of the project lead to the sustainable development of the local region through constant monitoring and analysis.”

Source: Hyundai Media News Room

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Filed Under: Hyundai

Hyundai is now jumping on the eco-friendly vehicle bandwagon (this is a good bandwagon by the way) and has announced its Blue Drive environmental initiative. This exciting news from Hyundai came amidst the fanfare at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show; the main goal of the initiative is for the entire line of Hyundai vehicles to have a fleet average 35 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency rating by 2015. Currently, the United States government is requiring auto manufacturers to achieve this average by 2020.

“At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the company revealed plans for its first U.S. market gas-electric full hybrid (to be offered in the next-generation Sonata), introduced a sleek crossover concept powered by a turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, and announced future high-mileage editions of the Accent and Elantra.” (Source: Hyundai Media News Room)

Part of the Blue Drive technology that will push Hyundai towards its fuel-efficiency goals is based off a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery. The next-generation Sonata will feature this battery technology in a gasoline/electric parallel hybrid setup.

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Hyundai