Hyundai launches all-new Sonata Hybrid with GDI engine; plug-in hybrid variant coming next year

17 December 2014

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the all-new Sonata Hybrid in Seoul, Korea. The new Sonata Hybrid features an upgraded powertrain incorporating a new hybrid system with a new gasoline direct injection engine that delivers fuel economy of 18.2 km/l (43 mpg US or 5.5 l/100 km). A plug-in hybrid variant—to be Hyundai Motor’s first PHEV—will join the lineup next year. The company also plans to introduce its first dedicated Hybrid model in the second half next year.

The all-new Sonata Hybrid, the result of 27 months of development and an investment of approximately 180 billion Won (US$167 million), is scheduled to launch in major markets outside Korea starting in the first half of 2015. Hyundai Motor targets to sell a total of 55,000 units (Korea: 18,000 / Overseas: 37,000) next year.

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New Sonata Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

In line with Hyundai Motor Group’s target to become a global top 2 automaker in the eco-friendly car market by 2020, Hyundai Motor will expand its eco-friendly line-up in all segments all launched under the Blue Drive sub-brand.

The all-new Sonata Hybrid will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month; detailed information of the Plug-in Hybrid version will be also released at the show.

Upgraded Hybrid Power System. The all-new Sonata Hybrid is powered by an efficient Nu 2.0-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) hybrid engine mated to a 38 kW electric motor (up 3 kW—8.6%—from the prior model). The gasoline engine delivers maximum power and torque of 154 hp (115 kW) and 189 N·m (140 lb-ft), up 4% and 5.5% respectively, compared to the previous model. The 38 kW electric motor also delivers maximum torque of 205 N·m (151 lb-ft).

With the upgraded engine and electric motor, the new model achieves a significant improvement in fuel consumption with the combined rating of 18.2 km/l with 16-inch wheels (17.7 km/ℓ / 42 mpg US / 5.7 l/100 km with 17-inch wheels).

This engine transfers power to the road via Hyundai Motor’s new motor-integrated six-speed automatic transmission. The new unit—launched in October 2014 at the company’s annual International Powertrain Conference (earlier post)—houses almost all of the hybrid powertrain components within the transmission, minimizing energy losses and maximizing fuel economy.

The transmission is fitted with a highly-efficient traction motor, while the torque converter has been removed. A lighter torsion damper, and new engine clutch, which features fewer clutch discs, reduce drag and contribute to a more efficient transfer and use of power.

The most significant change to the new transmission to improve fuel efficiency is within the oil pump system. By removing the mechanical oil pump, which causes hydraulic losses, and replacing it with a new electric oil pump, the transmission automatically optimizes operation according to the driving conditions.

The all-new Sonata Hybrid continues to utilize a lithium-polymer battery pack, now with a 13.3% higher capacity of 1.62 kilowatt-hour (versus 1.43 kWh). The battery has been relocated under the floor of the trunk, allowing for a flat trunk floor, creating a more useable cargo area, 10.5% larger than that of the previous model, with 60/40 split-folding seats.

As implemented in the first Sonata Hybrid, the new model is based on a full parallel hybrid architecture. The advantages of a full parallel system allow Sonata Hybrid to generate electricity captured during low engine loads and regenerative braking system to power the electric motor. When the vehicle comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine will shut down to eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

The all-new Sonata Hybrid features a number of unique exterior design characteristics that distinguish it from non-hybrid Sonata models. As well as creating a unique design, these changes have a functional outcome, an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd for the all-new Sonata Hybrid, aiding fuel efficiency and stability.

At the front, the larger, more sharply-edged hexagonal grille has a unique inner-grille pattern. The hexagonal grille, a hallmark of Hyundai Motor design, aids cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, while the new, slimline LED daytime running lights and HID headlamps echo the high-technology image.

A distinctive chrome molding at the bottom of the doors helps to accentuate the Hybrid model’s sleek shape. At the rear, the revised, voluminous rear fenders flow into new, high-visibility LED rear lamp clusters. The design upgrades are completed with a unique, low-drag rear diffuser. New, streamlined 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, together with a full underbody cover contribute to reduced airflow resistance.

Compared to the previous-generation Sonata Hybrid, the all-new Sonata Hybrid is longer (+35 mm) and wider (+30 mm), with a longer wheelbase (+10 mm), allowing more interior space for occupants. The belt line that runs the length of the car has been lowered, with a more sharply raked A-pillar to emphasize the generous proportions.

Like its base model, the all-new Sonata Hybrid benefits from improved interior ergonomics, resulting in a completely driver-focused cabin, intuitive interfaces and premium soft-touch materials to ensure a pleasurable journey.

Safety Convenience Features. The all-new Sonata Hybrid also benefits from new, advanced safety systems including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist. In addition to the full suite of passive safety technologies, the car also incorporates a new knee bag to prevent injury in the event of a collision.

Access to the cabin is keyless thanks to a Smart Key, while the trunk can be entered ‘hands-free’ thanks to the Smart Trunk function. In addition, systems have been fitted to optimize driver comfort, including a powered and ventilated seat that has a four-way lumbar support, as well as Heated Steering Wheel and Smart Cruise Control for enhanced driving comfort on longer journeys.

Lomiko Metals investing in startup commercializing graphene supercapacitor technology

17 December 2014

Lomiko Metals Inc., a company focused on the exploration and development of minerals for the “new green economy”, will invest in a new graphene-related venture, Graphene Energy Storage Devices (Graphene ESD). In December 2013, Lomiko reported on a successful conclusion to Phase I of its Graphene Supercapacitor Project which involved Graphene Laboratories and Stony Brook University. Graphene ESD has been formed to commercialize the technology and bring the graphene-based energy storage devices to market.

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The prototype of the supercapacitor was made using graphene composite material prepared using a proprietary technology developed at Graphene Labs. The measured specific capacitance of the prototype was found to be around 500 Farad per gram of the material.

The quality of the Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) electrodes allows expansion of the operating voltage window up to 4 Volts, allowing an increase in the energy density of the supercapacitor. The device achieved this performance due to the high specific surface area as well as high electrical conductivity of the graphene produced from graphite material from the Quatre Milles Graphite Project in Québec, the partners said at the time.

Graphene ESD Corp. intends to develop low-cost graphene-based supercapacitor devices that will be capable of even higher discharge currents. The development will focus on large-scale devices that are projected to have the lowest cost of power and stored energy in its class.

As reported December 4, 2013, the Phase I Graphene Supercapacitor project yielded encouraging results. Graphene ESD Corp. will build on the success of this project and will be developing a graphene-based supercapacitor. The device is designed as a versatile energy storage solution for electronics, electric vehicles and electric grid.

EIA: US household gasoline expenditures in 2015 tracking to be lowest in 11 years

17 December 2014

The average US household will spend about $550 less on gasoline in 2015 compared with 2014, as annual motor fuel expenditures are on track to fall to their lowest level in 11 years, according to projections by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Lower fuel expenditures are attributable to a combination of falling retail gasoline prices and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks that reduce the number of gallons used to travel a given distance.

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Household gasoline costs are forecast to average $1,962 next year, assuming that EIA’s price forecast, which is highly uncertain, is realized. Should the forecast be realized, motor fuel expenditures (gasoline and motor oil) in 2015 would be below $2,000 for the first time since 2009, according to EIA’s December 2014 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).

The price for US regular gasoline has fallen 11 weeks in a row to an average $2.55 per gallon as of 15 December, down $1.16 per gallon from its 2014 peak in late April and the lowest price since October 2009. Gasoline prices are forecast to go even lower in 2015. Gasoline prices are falling because of lower crude oil prices, which account for about two-thirds of the price US drivers pay for a gallon of gasoline.

EIA’s latest STEO forecasts that Brent crude oil prices will average $68 per barrel (bbl) in 2015, with prices up to $5/bbl below that annual average early in the year. The forecast for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil spot prices averages $63/bbl in 2015. However, the current values of futures and options contracts show high uncertainty regarding the price outlook.

WTI futures contracts for March 2015 delivery traded during the five-day period ending 4 December averaged $67/bbl. Implied volatility averaged 32%, establishing the lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval for the market’s expectations of WTI prices at the expiration of the March 2015 contract at $51/bbl and $89/bbl, respectively. Last year at this time, WTI futures contracts for March 2014 delivery averaged $96/bbl and implied volatility averaged 19%, with only a $30/bbl spread between the corresponding lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval.

Increases in fuel economy are also contributing to lower motor fuel expenditures, as cars and trucks travel farther on a gallon of gasoline. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the production-weighted fuel economy of cars has increased from 23.1 miles per gallon (mpg) for model-year (MY) 2005 cars to almost 28 mpg for MY2014, an increase of about 21%. Similarly, the fuel economy for trucks has increased 19%, from 16.9 mpg to 20.1 mpg in the same time frame.

Scania to test wirelessly charged plug-in hybrid city bus for the first time in Sweden

17 December 2014

Starting June 2016 a prototype for a new Scania plug-in hybrid bus (based on Scania Citywide Low Entry) will go into daily operation in Södertälje. Click to enlarge.

Scania is undertaking intensive research into various types of electrification technologies that could replace or complement combustion engines. Inductive charging is among the options the company is exploring and would enable vehicles wirelessly to recharge their batteries via electrified roads.

Now, for the first time in Sweden, Scania and the Stockholm based Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) plan to test the wireless charging technology in real-life conditions. Starting June 2016, a prototype for a new Scania plug-in hybrid bus (based on Scania Citywide Low Entry) will go into daily operation in Södertälje as part of a research project into sustainable vehicle technology.

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As part of the field tests, a Scania citybus with an electric hybrid powertrain will go into daily operation in Södertälje in June 2016. At one of the bus stops there will be a charging station where the vehicle will be able to recharge wirelessly from the road surface in 6 to 7 minutes sufficiently for a complete journey.

The bus is wirelessly charged via a charging station located under the road surface(1). A receiver (2), mounted in the bus floor, absorbs electric energy and charges the battery pack (3). Click to enlarge.

The project will be run through a jointly-operated Scania/KTH Integrated Transport Laboratory research center.

The Swedish Energy Agency will provide 9.8 million SEK (US$1.3 million) for the project’s realization. Other stakeholders include Södertälje Municipality, Stockholm County Council and Tom Tits, the tech-oriented museum for children and youths.

The main purpose of the field test is to evaluate the technology in real-life conditions. There is enormous potential in the switch from combustion engines to electrification. The field test in Södertälje is the first step towards entirely electrified roads where electric vehicles take up energy from the road surface.

To build an infrastructure and convert bus fleets to vehicles that run exclusively on electricity would provide many advantages. With a fleet of 2,000 buses, the city could save up to 50 million liters (13 million gallons US) of fuel each year—resulting in a decrease in fuel costs by up to 90%.

Apart from induction, Scania’s research and development department is looking at different technology options, including the take-up of energy from overhead electrical wires or from rails.

Our customers have different needs and prerequisites when it comes to switching to more sustainable transport. Therefore we don’t want focus on just one technology. Instead we are continuing research in different areas.