The motor generates 30 kilowatts (40.2 horsepower) and 151 pound-feet of torque and handles drive and regenerative braking duties. That's well short of the 106 hp of the Ford Fusion motor and the 141 hp of the Toyota Camry motor. Nevertheless, Hyundai claims the Sonata can operate in EV mode at up to 62 mph. We'd guess that actually means the Sonata can shut down the engine and cruise on electricity at high speeds but can't actually accelerate to that speed on battery power, but we're looking into it. Hyundai takes advantage of the motor's instant-on torque to make the top three gear ratios of the transmission longer for lower engine speeds when cruising.
%Video-1120%
The duty of restarting the engine after it is switched off is handled by an integrated starter generator similar to the one previously used by General Motors on its mild hybrid system. It's not entirely clear why Hyundai has gone this route instead of just using the traction motor like other systems, but we'd wager it probably has something to do with some pesky patent held by another manufacturer.
As we suspected, Hyundai has re-calibrated the 2.4-liter direct injected inline-four so that it operates on an Atkinson cycle. The Atkinson cycle uses late closing of the intake valve to give a shorter effective compression stroke than the power stroke. The overall efficiency of the engine is improved at the expense of low end torque production. As with the gear ratios the extra torque available from the motor is used to mask the engine's reduced output. The total combined output of the engine and motor is now slightly better than the standard Sonata at 209 horsepower, beating all competing models.
The Sonata hybrid marks the first North American (the Elantra and Kia Forte hybrids have been on sale in Korea since mid-2009) hybrid application of lithium polymer batteries. These cells supplied by LG Chem are very similar to the cells that General Motors will be using in the Chevrolet Volt battery later this year. The 1.4 kilowatt-hour pack weighs just 95.9 pounds compared the 123.9 pound nickel metal hydride equivalent in the Camry hybrid.
Weight savings extend to the whole car as well. Because Hyundai engineered the new Sonata without the possibility of installing a V6 engine it was able to reduce the mass of the structure. The curb weight of the hybrid Sonata is just 3,457 pounds, some 263 pounds less than the Fusion, which is likely to give it a performance advantage over the Ford.
Hyundai has also incorporated the other typical features of modern hybrids including a system for blending friction and regenerative braking, electric power steering assist and electric air conditioning.
Hyundai is projecting that the Sonata will hit 37 mpg on the EPA city cycle and 39 mpg on the highway cycle. While that falls a bit short of the Fusion's 41 mpg city number, it beats the 36 mpg highway rating and handily tops the Camry's 33/34 mpg ratings. What we don't know at this point is how much the Sonata will cost. As much as we like the Fusion, its nearly $28,000 starting price is a bit steep compared to its conventional IC counterparts. If Hyundai follows its usual route of undercutting the competition on price, things could get very interesting especially among those consumers that like their hybrids to look like something different.
%Video-1120%
The duty of restarting the engine after it is switched off is handled by an integrated starter generator similar to the one previously used by General Motors on its mild hybrid system. It's not entirely clear why Hyundai has gone this route instead of just using the traction motor like other systems, but we'd wager it probably has something to do with some pesky patent held by another manufacturer.
As we suspected, Hyundai has re-calibrated the 2.4-liter direct injected inline-four so that it operates on an Atkinson cycle. The Atkinson cycle uses late closing of the intake valve to give a shorter effective compression stroke than the power stroke. The overall efficiency of the engine is improved at the expense of low end torque production. As with the gear ratios the extra torque available from the motor is used to mask the engine's reduced output. The total combined output of the engine and motor is now slightly better than the standard Sonata at 209 horsepower, beating all competing models.
The Sonata hybrid marks the first North American (the Elantra and Kia Forte hybrids have been on sale in Korea since mid-2009) hybrid application of lithium polymer batteries. These cells supplied by LG Chem are very similar to the cells that General Motors will be using in the Chevrolet Volt battery later this year. The 1.4 kilowatt-hour pack weighs just 95.9 pounds compared the 123.9 pound nickel metal hydride equivalent in the Camry hybrid.
Weight savings extend to the whole car as well. Because Hyundai engineered the new Sonata without the possibility of installing a V6 engine it was able to reduce the mass of the structure. The curb weight of the hybrid Sonata is just 3,457 pounds, some 263 pounds less than the Fusion, which is likely to give it a performance advantage over the Ford.
Hyundai has also incorporated the other typical features of modern hybrids including a system for blending friction and regenerative braking, electric power steering assist and electric air conditioning.
Hyundai is projecting that the Sonata will hit 37 mpg on the EPA city cycle and 39 mpg on the highway cycle. While that falls a bit short of the Fusion's 41 mpg city number, it beats the 36 mpg highway rating and handily tops the Camry's 33/34 mpg ratings. What we don't know at this point is how much the Sonata will cost. As much as we like the Fusion, its nearly $28,000 starting price is a bit steep compared to its conventional IC counterparts. If Hyundai follows its usual route of undercutting the competition on price, things could get very interesting especially among those consumers that like their hybrids to look like something different.
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID DEBUTS AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
Breakthrough Lithium Polymer Batteries Leapfrog Existing Nickel-Metal Hydride and Lithium-Ion Technology
NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – As global automakers work out implementation timing for new fuel-efficient powertrain technologies such as gasoline direct-injection (GDI), twin-scroll turbochargers, and full-hybrid powertrains, Hyundai announced today that the all-new 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 hot-selling GDI-equipped 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 mid-size hybrid pack."
The Hyundai-developed 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 in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, power-density 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 starter-generator, electric motor, and low-friction 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 eco-focused products and technologies that Hyundai offers in its goal to be the auto industry's global eco-leader. 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 best-in-class 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 best-in-class 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 class-leading fuel economy in highway mode provides a unique solution in the mid-size 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 class-leading electric-vehicle operation at steady-state 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 mid-size competitors, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The weight-efficient 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 best-in-class horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in power-to-weight 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 planetary-geared 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 EV-only mode. This technology is also a key enabler of Sonata Hybrid's best-in-class highway fuel economy.
HYUNDAI'S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive is a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system that runs on the already fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine (169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy. Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric 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 multi-port 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 high-torque electric motor boosts low-end 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 best-in-class 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 over-rides accelerator pedal input.
The high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve 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 6-speed automatic transmission rather than a conventional hybrid's CVT. Hyundai's strategy involves an adaptation of the modular 6-speed transmission, replacing the torque converter with an electric motor and high-efficiency oil pump. This technique uses a traditional step-shift 6-speed 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 motor-assisted steering system reduces demands on the engine, and low resistance tires further optimize fuel economy.
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 nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and space-efficient than other hybrid batteries. They are also more weight-efficient. 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. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 20-30 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickel-metal hydride batteries found in today's hybrids. Lithium polymer batteries offer 1.7 times more energy density than nickel-metal 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 self-discharge rate is less than a third of a nickel-metal hydride battery.
Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-polymer has significant advantages over lithium-ion, including higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs. Lithium polymer is more resistant to physical damage and can handle more charge-discharge 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 lithium-ion batteries, like those found in laptops, use what's known as the 18650 cell format. In this format, each mass-produced 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 lithium-ion 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. Cell-to-cell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithium-ion batteries have considerable cell-to-cell variation, while Hyundai's lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding cell-to-cell 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 lithium-ion 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 maintenance-free 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 nickel-metal hydride battery or a conventional lithium-ion 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, eco-friendly design, with "at-a-glance" differentiation from the non-hybrid Sonata models.
Unique exterior design elements
Interior refinements
The Sonata Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more engaged in fuel-efficient driving thanks to Hyundai's Hybrid Technology Display. The Hybrid Technology Display is featured on a 4.2-inch LCD screen located between the odometer and tachometer, or is visible on the optional seven-inch navigation screen. It features the following information:
The Hybrid Technology Display's most unique feature is an Eco Level scoring system. The high definition display acknowledges eco-focused 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.
Breakthrough Lithium Polymer Batteries Leapfrog Existing Nickel-Metal Hydride and Lithium-Ion Technology
NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – As global automakers work out implementation timing for new fuel-efficient powertrain technologies such as gasoline direct-injection (GDI), twin-scroll turbochargers, and full-hybrid powertrains, Hyundai announced today that the all-new 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 hot-selling GDI-equipped 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 mid-size hybrid pack."
The Hyundai-developed 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 in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, power-density 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 starter-generator, electric motor, and low-friction 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 eco-focused products and technologies that Hyundai offers in its goal to be the auto industry's global eco-leader. 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 best-in-class 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 best-in-class 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 class-leading fuel economy in highway mode provides a unique solution in the mid-size 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 class-leading electric-vehicle operation at steady-state 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 mid-size competitors, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The weight-efficient 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 best-in-class horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in power-to-weight 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 planetary-geared 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 EV-only mode. This technology is also a key enabler of Sonata Hybrid's best-in-class highway fuel economy.
SONATA HYBRID VERSUS ITS RIVALS
2011 Sonata Hybrid2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Lexus HS250hEngine
| 2.4-liter |
2.4-liter |
2.5-liter |
2.5-liter |
2.4-liter |
|
| Engine hp
|
169 hp
|
147 hp
|
158 hp
|
156 hp
|
147 hp
|
| Engine torque |
156 lb-ft |
138 lb-ft |
162 lb-ft |
136 lb-ft |
138 lb-ft |
| Electric Motor hp |
40.2 hp |
141 hp |
40 hp |
106 hp |
147 hp |
| Electric Motor torque |
151.2 lb-ft @ 0-1,400 rpm |
199 lb-ft @ 0-1,500 rpm |
199 lb-ft @ 0–1,500 rpm |
166 lb-ft |
138 lb-ft |
| Hybrid system net power output |
209 hp |
187 hp |
198 hp |
191 hp |
187 hp |
| Hybrid system |
Parallel |
Power Split |
Power Split |
Power Split |
Power Split |
| Trans. |
6-speed |
CVT |
CVT |
CVT |
CVT |
| Battery type |
Lithium Polymer |
Nickel-Metal Hydride |
Nickel-Metal Hydride |
Nickel-Metal Hydride |
Nickel-Metal Hydride |
| EV only operation limit |
62 mph |
42 mph |
42 mph |
47 mph |
42 mph |
| Fuel economy city/ hwy
|
37/39 mpg (est.) |
33/34 mpg |
35/33 mpg |
41/36 mpg |
35/34 mpg |
| Curb wt. |
3,457 lb |
3,680 lb |
3,469.8 lb |
3,720 lb |
3,682 lb |
| Power to wt. ratio (lbs./total system power |
16.54 |
19.68 |
17.52 |
19.48 |
19.69 |
| Pass. Vol. |
104 cu ft |
101 cu ft |
101 cu ft |
101 cu ft |
90 cu ft |
HYUNDAI'S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive is a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system that runs on the already fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine (169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy. Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric 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 multi-port 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 high-torque electric motor boosts low-end 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 best-in-class 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 over-rides accelerator pedal input.
The high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve 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 6-speed automatic transmission rather than a conventional hybrid's CVT. Hyundai's strategy involves an adaptation of the modular 6-speed transmission, replacing the torque converter with an electric motor and high-efficiency oil pump. This technique uses a traditional step-shift 6-speed 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 motor-assisted 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:
- An efficient 30kW electric motor delivering 151 lb-ft 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 fuel-efficient Theta II 2.4-liter engine
- 6-speed automatic transmission with an improved efficiency electric oil pump
- Weight-efficient 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 nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and space-efficient than other hybrid batteries. They are also more weight-efficient. 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. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 20-30 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickel-metal hydride batteries found in today's hybrids. Lithium polymer batteries offer 1.7 times more energy density than nickel-metal 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 self-discharge rate is less than a third of a nickel-metal hydride battery.
Lithium Polymer Batteries vs. Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-polymer has significant advantages over lithium-ion, including higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs. Lithium polymer is more resistant to physical damage and can handle more charge-discharge 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 lithium-ion batteries, like those found in laptops, use what's known as the 18650 cell format. In this format, each mass-produced 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 lithium-ion 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. Cell-to-cell consistency also is extremely critical in a vehicle battery package, since the pack is only as robust as its weakest cell. Traditional lithium-ion batteries have considerable cell-to-cell variation, while Hyundai's lithium polymer batteries deliver outstanding cell-to-cell 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 lithium-ion 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 maintenance-free 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 nickel-metal hydride battery or a conventional lithium-ion 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, eco-friendly design, with "at-a-glance" differentiation from the non-hybrid Sonata models.
Unique exterior design elements
- Headlights and taillights
- Aerodynamic bumper fascias
- Aerodynamic rocker panels
- Bold hexagonal grille
- Eco-spoke wheels
- Air dam and aero side sills
- Hybrid Blue Drive badging
- Exclusive hybrid paint color
Interior refinements
- Supervision cluster with eco-display options
- Unique interior color choice
- Unique seat patterns
The Sonata Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more engaged in fuel-efficient driving thanks to Hyundai's Hybrid Technology Display. The Hybrid Technology Display is featured on a 4.2-inch LCD screen located between the odometer and tachometer, or is visible on the optional seven-inch 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 eco-focused 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.
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| Sonata Hybrid |
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| ENGINE |
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| Type |
DOHC CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 2.4-liter Theta II |
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| Materials |
Aluminum block and head |
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| Bore & Stroke |
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm |
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| Displacement |
2,359 cc |
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| Horsepower (estimated) |
169 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
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| Torque (estimated) |
156 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm |
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| Valves per cylinder |
4 |
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| Compression ratio |
13:1 |
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| Hybrid type |
Parallel |
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| Electric Motor |
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| Horsepower (estimated) |
40.2 hp (30kW) @ 1,400-6,000 rpm |
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| Torque (estimated) |
151.2 lb-ft (205 Nm) @ 0-1,400 rpm |
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| Motor type |
Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
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| Voltage |
Max. 270V |
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| Hybrid System Performance Combined |
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| Horsepower (estimated) |
209.2 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
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| Torque (estimated) |
195.4 lb-ft |
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| Battery |
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| Power output |
34kW |
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| Type |
Lithium polymer battery |
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| Voltage |
270V |
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| Weight |
95.9 lbs |
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| Capacity |
5.3 Ah |
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| Electric-vehicle operation |
Limit of 62 mph |
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| TRANSMISSION |
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| Six-speed electronic automatic without lock-up torque converter |
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| Gear ratios |
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| First |
4.212:1 |
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| Second |
2.637:1 |
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| Third |
1.800:1 |
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| Fourth |
1.386:1 |
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| Fifth |
1.000:1 |
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| Sixth |
0.772:1 |
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| Reverse |
3.385:1 |
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| Final drive |
3.320:1 |
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| SUSPENSION |
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| Front |
MacPherson strut with gas-charged hydraulic twin tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar |
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| Rear |
Independent multi-link design with coil springs, gas-charged hydraulic twin tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar |
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| STEERING |
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| Type |
Rack & Pinion, power assisted |
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| Overall Ratio |
14.5:1 |
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| Turns, lock to lock |
2.94 |
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| Turning circle |
35.8 ft. |
| BRAKES/TIRES/WHEELS |
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| Front |
Power-assisted 11.8-in. ventilated disc, 1 pot-caliper brake with pad wear warning device |
| Rear |
Power-assisted 11.2-in. ventilated disc, 1 pot-caliper brake with pad wear warning device |
| ABS |
4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) |
| Tires |
P205/65R16 P215/55R17 (optional) Tire mobility kit ; T125/80D16 (spare tire - optional) |
| Wheels |
6.5J x 16-in. 7.5J x 17-in. (optional) |
| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS |
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| Wheelbase |
110.0 in. |
| Overall length |
189.8 in. |
| Overall width |
72.2 in. |
| Overall height |
57.7 in. |
| Coefficient of drag (Cd) |
0.25 (target) |
| Wheel tread, front/rear |
16-in. tire: 62.9 in. / 62.9 in. 17-in. tire: 62.6 in. / 62.6 in. |
| Overhang, front/rear |
37.0 in. / 42.7 in. |
| INTERIOR DIMENSIONS |
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| Head room |
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| Front |
40.0 in. |
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| Rear |
37.8 in. |
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| Leg room |
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| Front |
45.5 in. |
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| Rear |
34.6 in. |
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| Shoulder room |
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| Front |
57.9 in. |
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| Rear |
56.7 in. |
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| Hip room |
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| Front |
55.2 in. |
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| Rear |
54.9 in. |
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| EPA passenger volume |
103.8 cu. ft. |
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| EPA cargo volume |
10.7 cu. ft. |
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| EPA total volume |
114.5 cu. ft. |
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| CAPACITIES |
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| Fuel |
17.2 gallons |
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| Oil |
4.3 quarts |
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| Coolant |
6.6 quarts |
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| CURB WEIGHT |
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| Six-speed automatic |
3,457 – 3,578 lbs |
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| FUEL ECONOMY |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
| Six-speed automatic (estimated) |
37 mpg |
39 mpg |
38 mpg |
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