Hyundai Elantra (“Avante”) LPI Hybrid debuts in Europe

• World’s first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by LPG and advanced Lithium Ion Polymer (LiPoly) batteries
• Broadens Hyundai’s range of eco-friendly Blue DriveTM vehicles
• Hyundai moves closer to goal of environmental leadership

With aspirations of dominating the eco-friendly vehicle market with its range of Blue DriveTM technologies, Hyundai has launched its first hybrid model. Making its European debut at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, the Elantra LPI Hybrid is the world’s first ever hybrid to be powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Lithium Ion Polymer batteries.

Launched to the Korean market in July 2009 as the ‘Avante’, the Elantra LPI Hybrid delivers a CO2 rating of just 94g/km (EU-mode combined).

A first for hybrid technology, Hyundai has used Lithium Ion Polymer batteries to power the 15kW electric motor that works in conjunction with Hyundai’s 1,6-litre LPI Gamma engine. Compared to the conventional Lithium Ion battery – used by the Hyundai’s key hybrid rivals – the Lithium Ion Polymer battery has a higher energy density, is more robust to physical damage, has lower manufacturing costs and lasts longer, as it can take more charge and discharge cycles before it begins to degrade.

Already a sales success in Korea, the Elantra LPI Hybrid is set to hit Hyundai’s targets of 7.500 units this year and 15.000 in 2010 for this model. Consumer awareness of its low emissions and low running costs spawned 1.000 pre-orders for the super-efficient car in just two weeks after launch.

While the Elantra LPI Hybrid is currently only on sale in Korea, feasibility studies are currently under way in markets where an adequate LPG infrastructure exists.

Hyundai’s technologically advanced hybrid powertrain
With the Elantra LPI Hybrid, Hyundai has set a new benchmark for eco-friendly technology without compromising performance. Powered by Hyundai’s 1,6-litre 115PS LPI Gamma engine and a 20PS 15kW electric motor, the newcomer delivers 134PS through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Consequently, this model clocks a zero to 100km/h figure of 11,7 seconds, beating the Honda Civic Hybrid’s acceleration by approximately 2 seconds.

The ‘Auto-Stop’ function aids fuel efficiency by switching off the ignition at idle when the driver applies the brakes after running the car for more than two seconds at speeds of 9km/h or higher.

To encourage and improve economical driving habits, Hyundai has equipped the vehicle’s Supervision gauge cluster with an ‘Eco Guide’ tree icon, which indicates when driving is eco-friendly. If the driver performs well, the tree icon will sprout small green leaves.