Hyundai i10 facelift unveiled as BlueOn Electric car

We showed you the pictures of the facelifted i10 on Thursday and within a day, we have the official pictures from Hyundai in the form of the i10 Electric Vehicle aptly called ‘BlueOn’. The BlueOn is South Korea’s first battery operated electric vehicle. The BlueOn was shown as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and made a guest appearance at the Auto Expo 2010 too. The BlueOn was unveiled by South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak at the presidential Blue House in Seoul today (Sep 9). Although the electric car is of less significance to Indians, what is important is that the BlueOn previewed the facelifted i10 that will debut at the Paris Motor Show. However, even before that, the guys at IAB have confirmed news that Hyundai will launch the new i10 VTVT on September 23 in India.

More details on the electric version and 10 high resolution images after the jump.

Hyundai i10 Facelift uncovered Sep 2010

Hyundai i10 1.2L VTVT spied in Pune Aug 2010

2010 Hyundai i10 facelift spied Jul 2010

Hyundai i10 eats 19.81km of road for every litre of petrol May 2010

The BlueOn is powered by a 16.4 kWh Lithium-polymer battery pack probably manufactured by LG Chem which also supplies lithium polymer batteries for the Sonata hybrid and Chevrolet Volt. The BlueOn program has seen a total investment of US$34 million, development of which started a year ago. Hyundai will provide 30 BlueOns to South Korean government agencies for a two-year pilot program that begins next month at the G20 economic summit. The BlueOn has a range of 87miles (140km) and takes six hours to recharge from a 220V outlet. However, a 380-volt DC charger can replenish the battery to 80 percent charge in 25 minutes. Hyundai has also equipped its EV with a Virtual Engine Sound System to create synthetic audio feedback for pedestrians as well as a telematics system to help drivers find available charging stations in the area. For more details on the EV, scroll down for the official press release.

As we reported earlier, the new i10’s front face is inspired by the bigger iX35 and Avante/Elantra. It now sports the family look that is now common on all Hyundai models. At launch, the new i10 will get an all new 1.0L engine that will replace the ageing 1.1L that has been around since the introduction of the Santro Xing. The 1.2L will be upgraded with VTVT and produce marginally more power and torque. The 1.0L model will duck under the 100g/km CO2 barrier and hence attract less/zero taxes in Europe. For more details on the i10 facelift, click here.

PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI UNVEILS ITS FIRST ELECTRIC CAR ‘BLUEON’

• `BlueOn’is Korea’s first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV)
  
• Hyundai’s new vehicle boasts maximum speed of 130 km/h, can travel 140 km on a single charge
  
• Korean President Lee Myung-Bak attends unveiling ceremony, test drive
  

Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled the company’s – and Korea’s – first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) named ‘BlueOn,’ opening a new era in eco-friendly technology.

We are proud to introduce the world to BlueOn, which was fully developed in Korea and displays Hyundai’s latest technological advancements,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman at Hyundai’s Corporate R&D Center. “Consumers’ interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising and securing such advanced technology is critical in becoming an industry leader. Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and satisfying market needs.”

Hyundai unveiled the car at the Blue House today, in the presence of Korean President Lee Myung-Bak and Ministers from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and Ministry of Environment. About 50 other government and electric-vehicle industry officials were also present. During the unveiling ceremony, President Lee and Hyundai’s Vice Chairman Lee test drove one of the new vehicles together on the Blue House premises.

Test Fleets

Hyundai invested a total of about 40 billion won over a one year period to create BlueOn, which is based on Hyundai’s small hatchback, i10. The electric version of i10 was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.

Beginning with today’s ceremony, Hyundai is planning to provide 30 BlueOn vehicles as test fleets to various government organizations in Korea by October. These vehicles will be mainly used to help develop and test charging infrastructures for about two years, until August 2012. Furthermore, these cars will be used for promotional purposes, starting with the upcoming G20 summit, to boost Korea’s eco-friendly image.

The name ‘BlueOn’ derives from Hyundai’s Blue Drive strategy, which encompasses the company’s eco-friendly products and technologies. The word ‘On’ symbolizes “switch on.”

Innovative LiPoly Batteries, Virtual Sound

BlueOn has a compact body with an overall length of 3,585 mm, overall width of 1,595 mm and overall height of 1,540 mm. It is equipped with a highly efficient electric motor powered by an innovative 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. BlueOn boasts a maximum power of 81ps(61kW) and maximum torque of 21.4kg/m(210Nm).

As pure electric vehicles operate only with the battery and electric motor, the battery’s lifespan and storage capacity determines the vehicle’s performance. Hyundai chose LiPoly batteries because compared with previous nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), LiPoly delivers the same power with 30 percent less weight and 40 percent less volume, boosting efficiency and leaving more interior space for passengers.

Furthermore, the car has been designed to prevent overcharging and collision-related safety issues. Hyundai also conducted hundreds of thousands of kilometers’ worth of endurance testing to secure safety. BlueOn boasts a maximum speed of 130km/h and 0-100 km/h is achieved in 13.1 seconds, better than some gasoline models in the same class.

BlueOn also features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which creates an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians, as electric vehicles make little to no sound when driving at low speeds.

Recharging

BlueOn can travel as much as 140 km on a single charge. It also accommodates dual recharging methods: a 220V household power and a 380V industrial-strength power, which promises quick recharging speeds. Under the household power, the battery will be fully recharged within six hours. Under the quick charge method, the battery can be recharged to about 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Hyundai will collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other government agencies to build recharging facilities.

In addition, the engine-driven components were electrified so that the electric motor-driven power steering, electric water pump and regenerative brake system could be adapted to BlueOn. Furthermore, for the driver’s convenience, an advanced telematics system showing the charge status and location of recharging stations is installed. A 4.2-inch TFT LCD Supervision Cluster that provides voice guidance has also been installed.

Hyundai plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities for BlueOn next year, carrying out test productions and making about 2,500 units by the end of 2012.