Hyundai to introduce LPG-electric hybrid in July

09 July 2008

Hyundai Motor Company plans to start retail sales of its first LPG-electric hybrid vehicle this month.

Barely 10 day ago the auto maker had announced plans to introduce hybrid alternate fuels variants of Accent, Sonata and Avante sedans in Korea and later introduce them in India. (See: Hyundai to introduce hybrid models) 

To be sold initially in the Korean domestic market under the Avante badge, Hyundai said that the the Elantra LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) ould be the world's first LPG-electric hybrid vehicle using a combination of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and advanced lithium polymer (Li-Poly) batteries.

Powered by a liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) Gamma engine displacing 1.6 litres, a 15kW electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI HEV is a mild-type hybrid capable of delivering a competitive fuel economy rating. View video

''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.

In comparison to the operating costs of different types of hybrid vehicles currently available in the market, the company say the running cost of the Elantra LPI HEV would be be the lowest and 40 per cent cheaper to operate than other competitor models.