hyundai sonata hybrid debuts at new york auto show
Hyundai Motor America 10550 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 MEDIA WEBSITE: HyundaiNews.com CORPORATE WEBSITE: HyundaiUSA.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID DEBUTS AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
Miles Johnson Senior Manager, Quality, Service and Technology (714) 3661048 [email protected]
Jim Trainor Director (714) 5941629 [email protected]
ID: 32605
Breakthrough Lithium Polymer Batteries Leapfrog Existing NickelMetal Hydride and LithiumIon Technology NEW YORK, March 31, 2010– As global automakers work out implementation timing for new fuelefficient powertrain technologies such as gasoline directinjection (GDI), twinscroll turbochargers, and fullhybrid powertrains, Hyundai announced today that the allnew 2011 Hyundai Sonata is the first vehicle in the industry to offer all three technologies with the new Sonata 2.0T (turbo) and Sonata Hybrid joining the hotselling GDIequipped Sonata in Hyundai showrooms later this year. At the New York auto show today, Hyundai unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, changing the game in hybrids with unique approaches in hybrid powertrain design, battery technology and vehicle appearance. The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai’s first hybrid in the U.S. market. “The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it’s not a follower,” says John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the midsize hybrid pack.” The Hyundaideveloped Hybrid Blue Drive architecture is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Hyundai’s
market. “The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it’s not a follower,” says John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the midsize hybrid pack.” The Hyundaideveloped Hybrid Blue Drive architecture is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Hyundai’s proprietary full parallel architecture differs from the power split technology used by most competitors, allowing significant efficiency advantages at higher speeds. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive is the first and only system using lithium polymer battery technology – leapfrogging competitive inmarket nickelmetal hydride and lithiumion applications. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, powerdensity and package flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive also is unique in its use of the company’s own highly efficient, compact new 6 speed transmission, modified with hybrid startergenerator, electric motor, and lowfriction oil pump, which together allow the elimination of the traditional torque converter. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive is a new addition to a full suite of ecofocused products and technologies that Hyundai offers in its goal to be the auto industry’s global ecoleader. According to the EPA, Hyundai has led the U.S. industry in fuel economy for 2008 and 2009, and is currently the only automaker with average fleet fuel economy of more than 30 miles per gallon. “Hyundai applies advanced technologies to vehicles to provide the best solutions for the everyday driver,” said Krafcik. “Unlike traditional hybrids that trade off highway fuel economy for higher city ratings, the Sonata Hybrid delivers bestinclass highway fuel economy, while still delivering about a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy compared to a Sonata equipped with the Theta II GDI engine. We think this is a better balanced approach for the majority of car buyers.” PERFORMANCE Sonata Hybrid’s projected bestinclass highway fuel economy of 39 mpg offers significant benefit to hybrid owners with highway commutes, while also offering outstanding city fuel economy of 37 mpg. Government studies have shown that the typical U.S. driver operates in a highway mode 57 percent of the time. Hyundai’s approach to deliver classleading fuel economy in highway mode provides a unique solution in the midsize sedan hybrid market, and differentiates Sonata Hybrid from the likes of Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid. Sonata Hybrid delivers typical hybrid fuel economy gains in the city like its competitors, but also gives owners outstanding fuel economy on the highway, where these competitors fall short. Sonata Hybrid delivers classleading electricvehicle operation at steadystate speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. Gasoline engine engagement depends on state of charge, acceleration and vehicle speed. Its two propulsion units develop a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all midsize competitors, and 195 lbft of torque. The weightefficient architecture of the new Sonata platform, combined with the lightweight lithium polymer battery pack, make the Sonata Hybrid the lightest vehicle in the segment, at just 3,457 pounds, 263 pounds lighter than the Fusion Hybrid. Combined with Sonata’s bestinclass horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in powertoweight ratio, a key enabler of both performance and efficiency. Hyundai’s proprietary parallel hybrid drive system is the heart of the Sonata Hybrid. The competition uses a power split system with a planetarygeared Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This is where the Sonata Hybrid gains a key advantage. Competing hybrid models use electric motors that have to power a planetary gear set. By utilizing a full parallel drive system, Sonata Hybrid uses the power from the electric motor more efficiently to directly control the vehicle, allowing it to be operated at much higher speeds than the competition in EVonly mode. This technology is also a key enabler of Sonata Hybrid’s bestinclass highway fuel economy. SONATA HYBRID VERSUS ITS RIVALS
2011 Sonata
2011 Toyota
2010 Nissan
2010 Ford
2010 Lexus
Hybrid
Camry Hybrid
Altima Hybrid Fusion Hybrid
HS250h
Engine
2.4liter
2.4liter
2.5liter
2.5liter
2.4liter
Engine hp
169 hp
147 hp
158 hp
156 hp
147 hp
Engine
156 lbft
138 lbft
162 lbft
136 lbft
138 lbft
40.2 hp
141 hp
40 hp
106 hp
147 hp
199 lbft @
166 lbft
138 lbft
torque Electric Motor hp Electric
151.2 lbft @ 0 199 lbft @
torque Electric
40.2 hp
141 hp
40 hp
106 hp
147 hp
199 lbft @
166 lbft
138 lbft
Motor hp Electric Motor
151.2 lbft @ 0 199 lbft @ 1,400 rpm
01,500 rpm
0–1,500 rpm
209 hp
187 hp
198 hp
191 hp
187 hp
Parallel
Power Split
Power Split
Power Split
Power Split
Trans.
6speed
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
Battery
Lithium
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
type
Polymer
Hydride
Hydride
Hydride
Hydride
EV only
62 mph
42 mph
42 mph
47 mph
42 mph
37/39 mpg
33/34 mpg
35/33 mpg
41/36 mpg
35/34 mpg
torque Hybrid system net power output Hybrid system
operation limit Fuel economy
(est.)
city/ hwy Curb wt.
3,457 lb
3,680 lb
3,469.8 lb
3,720 lb
3,682 lb
Power to
16.54
19.68
17.52
19.48
19.69
104 cu ft
101 cu ft
101 cu ft
101 cu ft
90 cu ft
wt. ratio (lbs./total system power Pass. Vol.
HYUNDAI’S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive is a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system that runs on the already fuelefficient 2.4liter Theta II engine (169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lbft of torque at 4,500 rpm) mated to a 6speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lbft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy. Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive has an allelectric mode and a parallel drive mode. This means the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future hybrid drive vehicles to be developed by Hyundai. In the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive system, the Theta II with multiport fuel injection (MPI) operates on an Atkinson Cycle. Atkinson Cycle is a type of internal combustion engine strategy designed to dramatically increase fuel efficiency through changes in compression and power strokes in the four stroke engine. It is typically only used in hybrid systems where the hightorque electric motor boosts lowend power, which is traded off for internal combustion engine efficiency. By combining the electric motor and the Atkinson Cycle engine, the Hybrid Blue Drive system delivers bestinclass highway hybrid efficiency. To further improve fuel economy, all of the Theta II major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil. Hybrid Power Control (HPC) management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. When pressure is reapplied to the accelerator
compression and power strokes in the four stroke engine. It is typically only used in hybrid systems where the hightorque electric motor boosts lowend power, which is traded off for internal combustion engine efficiency. By combining the electric motor and the Atkinson Cycle engine, the Hybrid Blue Drive system delivers bestinclass highway hybrid efficiency. To further improve fuel economy, all of the Theta II major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil. Hybrid Power Control (HPC) management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. When pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal, the Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) automatically restarts the engine. This control strategy assures that maximum efficiency is achieved during gentle acceleration and greater power is immediately available during full acceleration. During deceleration, braking regeneration comes into play. Sonata Hybrid also features “smart brake” technology in which braking input overrides accelerator pedal input. The hightech, allaluminum, 16valve engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and newly developed engine components to reduce friction. This optimized Theta II engine achieves 10 percent better fuel consumption over a conventional Theta II engine. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive uses the company’s proprietary 6speed automatic transmission rather than a conventional hybrid’s CVT. Hyundai’s strategy involves an adaptation of the modular 6speed transmission, replacing the torque converter with an electric motor and highefficiency oil pump. This technique uses a traditional stepshift 6speed transmission rather than a CVT to provide a more traditional shift feel that is preferred by customers and sometimes artificially replicated in CVT applications. This saves on cost, making the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive system a better value. It is a more robust and elegantly simple solution to a complicated engineering challenge. Fuel efficiency improvements are evident throughout Sonata Hybrid. For example, the top three gear ratios in the transmission have been extended to ensure the engine runs at lower RPMs, the electric motorassisted steering system reduces demands on the engine, and low resistance tires further optimize fuel economy.
Hybrid Blue Drive is made up of the following major components: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
An efficient 30kW electric motor delivering 151 lbft of torque A regenerative braking system An integrated starter generator that enables the engine to turn off at stops and restart automatically under acceleration A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts A fuelefficient Theta II 2.4liter engine 6speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump Weightefficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient (.25 Cd target) Electric air conditioning compressor Hybrid power control unit
4. A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
A fuelefficient Theta II 2.4liter engine 6speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump Weightefficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient (.25 Cd target) Electric air conditioning compressor Hybrid power control unit
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY Sonata’s hybrid system stores its electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses existing nickelmetal hydride and pending lithiumion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and spaceefficient than other hybrid batteries. They are also more weightefficient. The Sonata Hybrid’s battery pack weighs just 95.9 pounds versus the Camry Hybrid’s 123.9 pounds. The compact battery pack resides in the forward portion of the trunk to maximize cargo space.
Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. NickelMetal Hydride Batteries Compared with nickelmetal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 2030 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickelmetal hydride batteries found in today’s hybrids. Lithium polymer batteries offer 1.7 times more energy density than nickelmetal hydride batteries, allowing Hyundai engineers to devote less space and weight to the battery pack. Lithium polymer batteries hold their charge 1.25 times longer. Lithium polymer batteries also are more resistant to changes in temperature, which improves cycle life. Additionally, lithium polymer’s selfdischarge rate is less than a third of a nickelmetal hydride battery. Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. Lithiumion Batteries Lithiumpolymer has significant advantages over lithiumion, including higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs. Lithium polymer is more resistant to physical damage and can handle more chargedischarge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade. Lithium polymer technology also offers significant advantages in thermal robustness and safety. A key difference between traditional lithium ion batteries and Hyundai’s lithium polymer battery solution is the overall packaging of the cell – the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte, and the encasement material. Traditional lithiumion batteries, like those found in laptops, use what’s known as the 18650 cell format. In this format, each massproduced cell is 18 mm. in diameter and 65 mm. tall, which is a bit larger than a “AA” battery. Each of these small metal cylinders is filled with a liquid electrolyte that facilitates the movement of lithium ions across anode and cathode, creating the battery current. Traditional lithiumion batteries are easy to handle, withstand mild internal pressures, and have been around in various forms since 1991. That means a manufacturing infrastructure is in place, and economies of scale are reasonably high. However, they do have several disadvantages. For example, their cylindrical shape reduces packaging efficiency and they are surprisingly complicated to manufacture since they have so many small parts. These small parts make them robust to thermal fluctuations and add significant cost and weight to the overall battery system. Celltocell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithiumion batteries have considerable celltocell variation, while Hyundai’s lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding celltocell consistency. Lithium polymer technology uses a completely different approach. Rather than using a liquid electrolyte, which requires a robust
several disadvantages. For example, their cylindrical shape reduces packaging efficiency and they are surprisingly complicated to manufacture since they have so many small parts. These small parts make them robust to thermal fluctuations and add significant cost and weight to the overall battery system. Celltocell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithiumion batteries have considerable celltocell variation, while Hyundai’s lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding celltocell consistency. Lithium polymer technology uses a completely different approach. Rather than using a liquid electrolyte, which requires a robust metal casing, lithium polymer batteries use a polymer gel as the electrolyte, which allows the use of a thinner and lighter aluminum walled encasement, or pouch. Inside each lithium polymer cell, the cathode, separator, and anode are laminated together, enabling much simpler and more reliable manufacturing. This allows the battery pack to be about 20 percent smaller than a lithiumion battery pack, making it much easier to change the cell footprint to fit the nooks and crannies of available vehicle space. Hyundai and its battery supplier, LG Chem, have spent hundreds of hours testing the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive lithium polymer battery system. This testing has proven that Hyundai’s lithium polymer technology has greater thermal and mechanical stability than existing systems, meaning better safety and performance. Another key engineering challenge for Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive has been assuring maintenancefree battery operation over the vehicle’s life – at least 10 years, and 150,000 miles – in all weather conditions. Heat is the enemy of battery cycle life. Hyundai’s thermal imaging testing shows how much cooler a lithium polymer battery is compared to today’s nickelmetal hydride battery or a conventional lithiumion battery. Consumers will notice these advantages in improved useful life and lower maintenance costs.
FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN ADDS A UNIQUE ECO FLAIR Hyundai designers have taken Sonata’s fluidic sculpture design language a bit further with Sonata Hybrid, making it even more aerodynamic. The goal was a modern, ecofriendly design, with “ataglance” differentiation from the nonhybrid Sonata models. Unique exterior design elements Headlights and taillights Aerodynamic bumper fascias Aerodynamic rocker panels Bold hexagonal grille Ecospoke wheels Air dam and aero side sills Hybrid Blue Drive badging Exclusive hybrid paint color Interior refinements Supervision cluster with ecodisplay options Unique interior color choice
Air dam and aero side sills Hybrid Blue Drive badging Exclusive hybrid paint color Interior refinements Supervision cluster with ecodisplay options Unique interior color choice Unique seat patterns The Sonata Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more engaged in fuelefficient driving thanks to Hyundai’s Hybrid Technology Display. The Hybrid Technology Display is featured on a 4.2inch LCD screen located between the odometer and tachometer, or is visible on the optional seveninch navigation screen. It features the following information: Driving mode Energy flow within the vehicle Engine and motor movement Fuel level Battery power levels and charge status Electric vehicle mode indicator Average and instant mpg The Hybrid Technology Display’s most unique feature is an Eco Level scoring system. The high definition display acknowledges ecofocused driving with eight levels of sky color, ranging from gray to bright blue. It also accumulates points in Total Eco mode over time. An Eco Guide also provides instant fuel economy feedback.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID DEBUTS AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
Miles Johnson Senior Manager, Quality, Service and Technology (714) 3661048 [email protected]
Jim Trainor Director (714) 5941629 [email protected]
ID: 32605
Breakthrough Lithium Polymer Batteries Leapfrog Existing NickelMetal Hydride and LithiumIon Technology NEW YORK, March 31, 2010– As global automakers work out implementation timing for new fuelefficient powertrain technologies such as gasoline directinjection (GDI), twinscroll turbochargers, and fullhybrid powertrains, Hyundai announced today that the allnew 2011 Hyundai Sonata is the first vehicle in the industry to offer all three technologies with the new Sonata 2.0T (turbo) and Sonata Hybrid joining the hotselling GDIequipped Sonata in Hyundai showrooms later this year. At the New York auto show today, Hyundai unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, changing the game in hybrids with unique approaches in hybrid powertrain design, battery technology and vehicle appearance. The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai’s first hybrid in the U.S. market. “The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it’s not a follower,” says John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the midsize hybrid pack.” The Hyundaideveloped Hybrid Blue Drive architecture is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Hyundai’s
market. “The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it’s not a follower,” says John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the midsize hybrid pack.” The Hyundaideveloped Hybrid Blue Drive architecture is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. Hyundai’s proprietary full parallel architecture differs from the power split technology used by most competitors, allowing significant efficiency advantages at higher speeds. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive is the first and only system using lithium polymer battery technology – leapfrogging competitive inmarket nickelmetal hydride and lithiumion applications. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, powerdensity and package flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive also is unique in its use of the company’s own highly efficient, compact new 6 speed transmission, modified with hybrid startergenerator, electric motor, and lowfriction oil pump, which together allow the elimination of the traditional torque converter. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive is a new addition to a full suite of ecofocused products and technologies that Hyundai offers in its goal to be the auto industry’s global ecoleader. According to the EPA, Hyundai has led the U.S. industry in fuel economy for 2008 and 2009, and is currently the only automaker with average fleet fuel economy of more than 30 miles per gallon. “Hyundai applies advanced technologies to vehicles to provide the best solutions for the everyday driver,” said Krafcik. “Unlike traditional hybrids that trade off highway fuel economy for higher city ratings, the Sonata Hybrid delivers bestinclass highway fuel economy, while still delivering about a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy compared to a Sonata equipped with the Theta II GDI engine. We think this is a better balanced approach for the majority of car buyers.” PERFORMANCE Sonata Hybrid’s projected bestinclass highway fuel economy of 39 mpg offers significant benefit to hybrid owners with highway commutes, while also offering outstanding city fuel economy of 37 mpg. Government studies have shown that the typical U.S. driver operates in a highway mode 57 percent of the time. Hyundai’s approach to deliver classleading fuel economy in highway mode provides a unique solution in the midsize sedan hybrid market, and differentiates Sonata Hybrid from the likes of Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid. Sonata Hybrid delivers typical hybrid fuel economy gains in the city like its competitors, but also gives owners outstanding fuel economy on the highway, where these competitors fall short. Sonata Hybrid delivers classleading electricvehicle operation at steadystate speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. Gasoline engine engagement depends on state of charge, acceleration and vehicle speed. Its two propulsion units develop a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all midsize competitors, and 195 lbft of torque. The weightefficient architecture of the new Sonata platform, combined with the lightweight lithium polymer battery pack, make the Sonata Hybrid the lightest vehicle in the segment, at just 3,457 pounds, 263 pounds lighter than the Fusion Hybrid. Combined with Sonata’s bestinclass horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in powertoweight ratio, a key enabler of both performance and efficiency. Hyundai’s proprietary parallel hybrid drive system is the heart of the Sonata Hybrid. The competition uses a power split system with a planetarygeared Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This is where the Sonata Hybrid gains a key advantage. Competing hybrid models use electric motors that have to power a planetary gear set. By utilizing a full parallel drive system, Sonata Hybrid uses the power from the electric motor more efficiently to directly control the vehicle, allowing it to be operated at much higher speeds than the competition in EVonly mode. This technology is also a key enabler of Sonata Hybrid’s bestinclass highway fuel economy. SONATA HYBRID VERSUS ITS RIVALS
2011 Sonata
2011 Toyota
2010 Nissan
2010 Ford
2010 Lexus
Hybrid
Camry Hybrid
Altima Hybrid Fusion Hybrid
HS250h
Engine
2.4liter
2.4liter
2.5liter
2.5liter
2.4liter
Engine hp
169 hp
147 hp
158 hp
156 hp
147 hp
Engine
156 lbft
138 lbft
162 lbft
136 lbft
138 lbft
40.2 hp
141 hp
40 hp
106 hp
147 hp
199 lbft @
166 lbft
138 lbft
torque Electric Motor hp Electric
151.2 lbft @ 0 199 lbft @
torque Electric
40.2 hp
141 hp
40 hp
106 hp
147 hp
199 lbft @
166 lbft
138 lbft
Motor hp Electric Motor
151.2 lbft @ 0 199 lbft @ 1,400 rpm
01,500 rpm
0–1,500 rpm
209 hp
187 hp
198 hp
191 hp
187 hp
Parallel
Power Split
Power Split
Power Split
Power Split
Trans.
6speed
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
Battery
Lithium
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
NickelMetal
type
Polymer
Hydride
Hydride
Hydride
Hydride
EV only
62 mph
42 mph
42 mph
47 mph
42 mph
37/39 mpg
33/34 mpg
35/33 mpg
41/36 mpg
35/34 mpg
torque Hybrid system net power output Hybrid system
operation limit Fuel economy
(est.)
city/ hwy Curb wt.
3,457 lb
3,680 lb
3,469.8 lb
3,720 lb
3,682 lb
Power to
16.54
19.68
17.52
19.48
19.69
104 cu ft
101 cu ft
101 cu ft
101 cu ft
90 cu ft
wt. ratio (lbs./total system power Pass. Vol.
HYUNDAI’S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive is a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system that runs on the already fuelefficient 2.4liter Theta II engine (169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lbft of torque at 4,500 rpm) mated to a 6speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lbft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy. Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive has an allelectric mode and a parallel drive mode. This means the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future hybrid drive vehicles to be developed by Hyundai. In the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive system, the Theta II with multiport fuel injection (MPI) operates on an Atkinson Cycle. Atkinson Cycle is a type of internal combustion engine strategy designed to dramatically increase fuel efficiency through changes in compression and power strokes in the four stroke engine. It is typically only used in hybrid systems where the hightorque electric motor boosts lowend power, which is traded off for internal combustion engine efficiency. By combining the electric motor and the Atkinson Cycle engine, the Hybrid Blue Drive system delivers bestinclass highway hybrid efficiency. To further improve fuel economy, all of the Theta II major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil. Hybrid Power Control (HPC) management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. When pressure is reapplied to the accelerator
compression and power strokes in the four stroke engine. It is typically only used in hybrid systems where the hightorque electric motor boosts lowend power, which is traded off for internal combustion engine efficiency. By combining the electric motor and the Atkinson Cycle engine, the Hybrid Blue Drive system delivers bestinclass highway hybrid efficiency. To further improve fuel economy, all of the Theta II major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil. Hybrid Power Control (HPC) management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. When pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal, the Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) automatically restarts the engine. This control strategy assures that maximum efficiency is achieved during gentle acceleration and greater power is immediately available during full acceleration. During deceleration, braking regeneration comes into play. Sonata Hybrid also features “smart brake” technology in which braking input overrides accelerator pedal input. The hightech, allaluminum, 16valve engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and newly developed engine components to reduce friction. This optimized Theta II engine achieves 10 percent better fuel consumption over a conventional Theta II engine. Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive uses the company’s proprietary 6speed automatic transmission rather than a conventional hybrid’s CVT. Hyundai’s strategy involves an adaptation of the modular 6speed transmission, replacing the torque converter with an electric motor and highefficiency oil pump. This technique uses a traditional stepshift 6speed transmission rather than a CVT to provide a more traditional shift feel that is preferred by customers and sometimes artificially replicated in CVT applications. This saves on cost, making the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive system a better value. It is a more robust and elegantly simple solution to a complicated engineering challenge. Fuel efficiency improvements are evident throughout Sonata Hybrid. For example, the top three gear ratios in the transmission have been extended to ensure the engine runs at lower RPMs, the electric motorassisted steering system reduces demands on the engine, and low resistance tires further optimize fuel economy.
Hybrid Blue Drive is made up of the following major components: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
An efficient 30kW electric motor delivering 151 lbft of torque A regenerative braking system An integrated starter generator that enables the engine to turn off at stops and restart automatically under acceleration A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts A fuelefficient Theta II 2.4liter engine 6speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump Weightefficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient (.25 Cd target) Electric air conditioning compressor Hybrid power control unit
4. A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
A fuelefficient Theta II 2.4liter engine 6speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump Weightefficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient (.25 Cd target) Electric air conditioning compressor Hybrid power control unit
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY Sonata’s hybrid system stores its electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses existing nickelmetal hydride and pending lithiumion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and spaceefficient than other hybrid batteries. They are also more weightefficient. The Sonata Hybrid’s battery pack weighs just 95.9 pounds versus the Camry Hybrid’s 123.9 pounds. The compact battery pack resides in the forward portion of the trunk to maximize cargo space.
Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. NickelMetal Hydride Batteries Compared with nickelmetal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 2030 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickelmetal hydride batteries found in today’s hybrids. Lithium polymer batteries offer 1.7 times more energy density than nickelmetal hydride batteries, allowing Hyundai engineers to devote less space and weight to the battery pack. Lithium polymer batteries hold their charge 1.25 times longer. Lithium polymer batteries also are more resistant to changes in temperature, which improves cycle life. Additionally, lithium polymer’s selfdischarge rate is less than a third of a nickelmetal hydride battery. Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. Lithiumion Batteries Lithiumpolymer has significant advantages over lithiumion, including higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs. Lithium polymer is more resistant to physical damage and can handle more chargedischarge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade. Lithium polymer technology also offers significant advantages in thermal robustness and safety. A key difference between traditional lithium ion batteries and Hyundai’s lithium polymer battery solution is the overall packaging of the cell – the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte, and the encasement material. Traditional lithiumion batteries, like those found in laptops, use what’s known as the 18650 cell format. In this format, each massproduced cell is 18 mm. in diameter and 65 mm. tall, which is a bit larger than a “AA” battery. Each of these small metal cylinders is filled with a liquid electrolyte that facilitates the movement of lithium ions across anode and cathode, creating the battery current. Traditional lithiumion batteries are easy to handle, withstand mild internal pressures, and have been around in various forms since 1991. That means a manufacturing infrastructure is in place, and economies of scale are reasonably high. However, they do have several disadvantages. For example, their cylindrical shape reduces packaging efficiency and they are surprisingly complicated to manufacture since they have so many small parts. These small parts make them robust to thermal fluctuations and add significant cost and weight to the overall battery system. Celltocell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithiumion batteries have considerable celltocell variation, while Hyundai’s lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding celltocell consistency. Lithium polymer technology uses a completely different approach. Rather than using a liquid electrolyte, which requires a robust
several disadvantages. For example, their cylindrical shape reduces packaging efficiency and they are surprisingly complicated to manufacture since they have so many small parts. These small parts make them robust to thermal fluctuations and add significant cost and weight to the overall battery system. Celltocell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithiumion batteries have considerable celltocell variation, while Hyundai’s lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding celltocell consistency. Lithium polymer technology uses a completely different approach. Rather than using a liquid electrolyte, which requires a robust metal casing, lithium polymer batteries use a polymer gel as the electrolyte, which allows the use of a thinner and lighter aluminum walled encasement, or pouch. Inside each lithium polymer cell, the cathode, separator, and anode are laminated together, enabling much simpler and more reliable manufacturing. This allows the battery pack to be about 20 percent smaller than a lithiumion battery pack, making it much easier to change the cell footprint to fit the nooks and crannies of available vehicle space. Hyundai and its battery supplier, LG Chem, have spent hundreds of hours testing the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive lithium polymer battery system. This testing has proven that Hyundai’s lithium polymer technology has greater thermal and mechanical stability than existing systems, meaning better safety and performance. Another key engineering challenge for Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive has been assuring maintenancefree battery operation over the vehicle’s life – at least 10 years, and 150,000 miles – in all weather conditions. Heat is the enemy of battery cycle life. Hyundai’s thermal imaging testing shows how much cooler a lithium polymer battery is compared to today’s nickelmetal hydride battery or a conventional lithiumion battery. Consumers will notice these advantages in improved useful life and lower maintenance costs.
FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN ADDS A UNIQUE ECO FLAIR Hyundai designers have taken Sonata’s fluidic sculpture design language a bit further with Sonata Hybrid, making it even more aerodynamic. The goal was a modern, ecofriendly design, with “ataglance” differentiation from the nonhybrid Sonata models. Unique exterior design elements Headlights and taillights Aerodynamic bumper fascias Aerodynamic rocker panels Bold hexagonal grille Ecospoke wheels Air dam and aero side sills Hybrid Blue Drive badging Exclusive hybrid paint color Interior refinements Supervision cluster with ecodisplay options Unique interior color choice
Air dam and aero side sills Hybrid Blue Drive badging Exclusive hybrid paint color Interior refinements Supervision cluster with ecodisplay options Unique interior color choice Unique seat patterns The Sonata Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more engaged in fuelefficient driving thanks to Hyundai’s Hybrid Technology Display. The Hybrid Technology Display is featured on a 4.2inch LCD screen located between the odometer and tachometer, or is visible on the optional seveninch navigation screen. It features the following information: Driving mode Energy flow within the vehicle Engine and motor movement Fuel level Battery power levels and charge status Electric vehicle mode indicator Average and instant mpg The Hybrid Technology Display’s most unique feature is an Eco Level scoring system. The high definition display acknowledges ecofocused driving with eight levels of sky color, ranging from gray to bright blue. It also accumulates points in Total Eco mode over time. An Eco Guide also provides instant fuel economy feedback.
