Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Previewed
An all-new Hyundai Tucson debuted at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, featuring a new design and safety systems, but the company is also showcasing a pair of high-tech hybrid powertrains.
Two new Tucson hybrid concepts are on display at the show, one a conventional mild-hybrid, while the other is a plug-in hybrid. Starting with the mild hybrid, Hyundai calls it a 48V Hybrid. It uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and 14 horsepower electric motor to boost power. The Korean automaker says this system will also significantly reduce emissions. Hinting at its use in production cars, the company states such a system is significantly cheaper than a full hybrid setup, and would be useful in large cars and SUVs.
The second concept is a plug-in hybrid model which can travel up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on a single charge. That’s possible thanks to a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, and a 67 horsepower electric motor that also works in unison with a 1.7-liter turbocarged four-cylinder diesel engine. That hybrid powertrain is mated to a seven speed dual clutch transmission and Hyundai claims the hybrid can recharge in just two and a half hours with fast charging or five hours using a standard outlet.
Discuss this story at our Hyundai Forum