Hyundai i10 Electric Unveiled in Frankfurt

Hyundai introduced an advance into alternative fuels in Frankfurt, by unveiling the Hyundai i10 Electric. The zero emissions commuter car will get a test production run domestically in Korea beginning next year.

Hyundai kept the weight of the small car to about 1,000 kilos, giving it a range of 160km on a full charge. Using an industrial 413V charger, the Lithium Ion Polymer battery can be recharged to 85 percent capacity in about 15 minutes. On a normal 200V household outlet, a full charge takes place in about five hours. By using LiPoly batteries, Hyundai engineers built a pack that is 20 per-cent smaller than a more common Lithium Ion pack.

The i10 Electric uses a 49 kW electric motor, and is powered by a 16 kWh battery. It achieves a maximum torque rating of 210 Nm at 2,670 RPM. Top speed of the Hyundai i10 Electric is 130 km/h. The car reaches 100 km/h in about 15 seconds.

Also featured on the car is a steering-by-wire system, and brakes powered by an electrical vacuum pump, helping to eliminate the need for hydraulics. An electric water pump keeps the motor and battery running cool, too.

We expect pricing for the Hyundai i10 Electric to be announced closer to its 2010 market launch. Hyundai did not state how many untis would be produced.

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Hyundai i10 Electric: World Debut for Mini EV at Frankfurt Show, Goes on Sale in 2010

This is our first look at Hyundai's all-new i10 Electric that will be making its world premiere at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show. The zero emission electric mini is not a concept but a production ready vehicle that is scheduled to go on sale in South Korea in the second half of 2010. Based on the five-door i10 hatchback, the EV is motivated by a 49kW / 65HP electric motor and a 16kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has been co-developed with Korea's LG.

Hyundai promises a driving range of around 100 miles or 160 kilometers and a top speed of over 80 mph or 130 km/h for its all-electric mini car.

The i10 Electric accommodates dual recharging cycles: a 220V household current which the company says is slower but potentially beneficial if the recharging is performed during off-peak hours when utility rates are lower plus a 415V industrial-strength current which promises to charge the battery much faster.

More specifically, Hyundai said that under the 415V quick cycle, the battery can be replenished to 85 percent of its capacity within 15 minutes while under the normal cycle with a 220V household power source, a full 100 percent charge will take around five hours.

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