Hyundai plug-in hybrid concept

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of the “BLUE-WILL”, a plug-in hybrid concept car which also features solar panels to boost the battery range.

The “BLUE-WILL” is due to be revealed at the Seoul Motor Show which opens on 2 April.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium direct injection 1.6-litre petrol engine. This is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai’s parallel hybrid drive architecture.

Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximise luggage space.

Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year. However Kia also claims that its Forte LPI hybrid is the first car in the world to use lithium polymer batteries.

The glass area of the panoramic roof integrates dye-sensitized solar cells which can generate power for the batteries from the sun without impeding visibility.

Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plant extracts rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.