Hyundai launches sales of LPG-electric hybrid

Hyundai Motor is planning to commence retail sales of its first liquid petroleum gas-electric hybrid vehicle in July 2009. The company claims that the Elantra liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), to be sold initially in the Korean market under the Avante badge, is the world’s first hybrid vehicle to be powered by LPG and the first to adopt advanced lithium polymer batteries. The company also claims that powered by an LPI Gamma engine displacing 1.6 liters, a 15 kilowatt electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI HEV is a mild type hybrid capable of delivering a competitive fuel economy rating. The Elantra LPI HEV is expected to be as much as 40% cheaper to operate than other models in the marketplace and 50% less than a conventional Elantra model powered by a gasoline-only engine. HyunSoon Lee, president of the research division at Hyundai, said: “The Elantra LPI HEV demonstrates Hyundai’s innovative approach. We have leveraged Hyundai’s leadership in LPG fueled vehicles to develop a hybrid that will be very economical to operate.” Top chemical manufacturer LG Chem Ltd. has developed in June a prototype of a lithium ion rechargeable battery for HEVs in collaboration with the government after spending 39.3 billion won (US$38.9 million) since 2005. (July 4/9, 2008)