In This Article:
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter.
Dive Brief:
-
Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its next-generation hybrid system utilizing advanced electrification technology that boosts performance and increases fuel economy, the automaker announced in a press release April 21.
-
The automaker says the new hybrid system offers 19% more power and a 45% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to internal combustion engines of the same class.
-
A version of the new hybrid powertrain paired with a 2.5 turbo-charged engine will debut in the all-new Palisade SUV hybrid, which recently entered production in Ulsan, South Korea, but will be offered in other Hyundai and Kia models in the future. The automaker also plans to launch a second hybrid system paired with a 1.6-liter engine for smaller vehicles.
Dive Insight:
Hyundai, along with Toyota Motor Co., is actively expanding its global hybrid vehicle lineup as an alternative to the more expensive electric vehicles sold today. Hybrid vehicles use smaller, less-costly battery packs, which makes them more affordable to produce, while still providing improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to internal combustion engine powertrains of the same class, according to Hyundai.
“We will continue to develop innovative technologies that actively utilize electrification capabilities during the transition to EVs, providing customers with eco-friendly vehicles that offer superior performance,” said Dong Hee Han, EVP and Head of Hyundai’s Electrified Propulsion Test Center, in the release.
Hyundai’s new hybrid system features a redesigned transmission with two integrated electric motors. The improved design maintains precise control of engine load and power output of the two motors to ensure that the gas engine operates at its highest efficiency. Hyundai also says the dual-motor transmission design helps to reduce noise and vibrations for a more refined driving experience.
The transmission is also flexible and can also be paired with various internal combustion engines across a range of Hyundai vehicles, such as sub-compacts, crossovers and large SUVs. Depending on the configuration, the hybrid system can deliver a power output from the low 100 horsepower range to mid-300 hp.
One of the transmission’s electric motors (P1) is used for engine starting, recharging the vehicle’s battery and power output for propulsion. The second drive motor (P2) is utilized solely for propulsion and recouping energy through “Smart Regenerative Braking,” which automatically applies the optimal braking force based on navigation data and distance from other vehicles to reduce brake pedal inputs and help maximize power regeneration.