The race to provide ecologically responsible mobility is on and Korean giant Hyundai is preparing an interesting range for the Frankfurt Motor Show with the first showing of the ix-Metro (pictured) and i10 Electric. The ix-Metro is a Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment and the i10 Electric is a production-ready plug-in 49kW electric vehicle set to go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2010 with a range of 100 miles and top speed of over 80 mph.
The ix-Metro, a Hybrid Electric CUV is the fifth in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang Korea, the ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder petrol engine displacing just one-liter. Direct injection, dual CVVT and turbocharging are all combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly potent compact package.
The other world debut Hyundai will be making at Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, a production-ready zero emissions vehicle which is set to go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2010. Powered by a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 100 miles and top speed of over 80 mph.
The vehicle accommodates dual recharging cycles: a 220V household current which is slower but potentially advantageous if recharging is done during off-peak hours when utility rates are lower, plus a 415V industrial-strength current which promises quicker recharging speeds. Under the quick cycle, the battery can be recharged to within 85 percent of its capacity within 15 minutes. Under the normal cycle using a 220V household current, 100 percent power will be attained within five hours.
Europeans will also get their first chance to see two other important vehicles in Hyundai’s Blue Drive initiative, which made their world debut earlier this year at the Seoul Motor Show. The Frankfurt Motor Show Blue Drive Zone will include the Elantra LPI Hybrid which emits just 94g/km of CO2 (European combined mode) and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle. The Elantra LPI HEV is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas and the first production car to be powered by advanced lithium ion polymer batteries (LiPoly).
