2010 could bring Hyundai Elantra hybrid with lithium ion battery
Come 2010, the Chevy Volt might not be the only car on the road with a lithium ion battery pack from LG (via their Compact Power Inc. subsidiary). Hyundai is currently testing a fleet of hybrid Elantras in Korea and wants to have a full production hybrid soon. A hybrid Elantra could arrive on American roads by 2010 using an LG lithium battery, leap-frogging Toyota. Hyundai still has concerns about thermal issues with lithium but feels cost should not be a problem. Unlike Toyota, Hyundai can't afford a dedicated platform for a hybrid which is why they will use the future Elantra instead. Around the same time as the hybrid, Hyundai will also add a diesel V-6 to the Veracruz crossover.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill Pease 8:26AM (1/31/2009)
I sure hope this happens. I have an Elantra, and its a great car. I would have bought a Prius had I been able to afford it. I would be very interested in owning a Hybrid Elantra.
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Seren 2:20PM (4/02/2009)
I agree that Hyundai has 'faked us out' for many years...but in all fairness it was due to major corruption CEO issue which resulted in loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for Hyundai - not the employees or dealers fault for sure! I hope that Hyundai will at least increase gas mileage by 20% for 2010. Their quality and warranty is tops now, its just the GAS MILEAGE which still is poor, relative to Toyota or Honda. If they can solve the gas mileage issue, they will be a major player in USA.
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Aviv 10:42AM (10/31/2007)
Do NOT get excited folks! Hyundai has a reputation for 'faking' Hybrid news to attract attention to it's brand and its car. Let's not forget the Accent Mild Hybrid that was hyped as the first 'cheap' hybrid. Hyundai announced, AFTER TWO YEARS of hyping the car, that is would not be made for the mass markets.
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