Hyundai launches electric car

The car is based on the company’s small hatchback - the i10 - an electric version of which was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.

Hyundai is planning to provide 30 BlueOn vehicles as test fleets to various government organisations in Korea by October. These will be mainly used to help develop and test charging infrastructures for a two-year period, until August 2012.

BlueOn is equipped with an electric motor powered by a 16.4kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery technology. BlueOn boasts a maximum power of 81ps (61kW) and maximum torque of 21.4kg/m (210Nm).

Hyundai chose LiPoly batteries because it claims that compared with previous nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, LiPoly batteries deliver the same power with 30 per cent less weight and 40 per cent less volume, leaving more interior space for passengers.

BlueOn’s batteries can be charged either at 220V or from 380V, which promises quicker recharging speeds. With the 220V supply, the battery will be fully recharged within six hours. Under the quick charge method, the battery can be recharged to about 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes.