The Hyundai motor group has been developing eco friendly vehicles for 30 years. Their experience shows just how far alternative fuel cars have come. David Brown has some figures.
Hyundai’s first electric concept vehicle released in 1991 was based on the Sonata sedan, it featured a lead-acid battery and offered a range of just 71km, and a top speed of only 60km/h.
Getting the most out of an electric vehicle needs good batteries but also managing the power situation of the whole car.
A concern with electric vehicles is that energy used to heat the interior in cold weather reduces the range of the vehicle, but Hyundai’s system, to be part of all their EVs, uses the heat from the batteries; a similar principle to a fossil fuel car using heat from the radiator.
The latest Hyundai Kona SUV electric vehicle has a range, rated at 449km.
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