Hyundai has unveiled South Korea’s first electric car, called the BlueOn, with a goal of commencing mass production of the vehicles in 2012.
The BlueOn, based on its i10 city car, will be powered by LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) batteries made by SK Energy with a capacity of 16.4 kilowatts per hour, offering a maximum power of 81PS (61kW) and maximum torque of 210Nm.
The Hyundai BlueOn has a maximum speed of 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour and can travel 140 kilometers (87 miles) on a single charge, Hyundai said in a statement.
The BlueOn 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.
The Hyundai 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.
The company said it had invested about 40 billion won (34 million dollars) over the past year to create BlueOn.
By October, South Korea’s biggest carmaker will provide 30 BlueOn vehicles to be used by government organizations and for promotional purposes over the next two years.
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.
