Hyundai gearing up for its first fully electric vehicle

Zero emission vehicles are the latest buzz that drive auto manufacturers to produce cars that have no dependency on fossil fuels and subsequently, acquire dominance in this nascent segment. Although, there is nothing solid which technology EV (Electric Powered Vehicle) or FCV ( Fuel Cell Vehicle) will dominate in the imminent future. Hyundai Motor Company, a prominent player in the fuel cell vehicles, is all set to test its fate in the all-electric vehicle arena. The Korean giant is planning to introduce its first battery powered vehicle by 2016.

The key players in the all-electric vehicle arena including Tesla Motors, BMW i range and Nissan/Renault Motors EV, are already selling there electric vehicles across the globe and will enter Korea probably this year. KIA Motors (33.99% owned by Hyundai) has been selling the Ray in the home market, Korea since the fall of 2011. KIA will definitely assist Hyundai in the development of the 2016 EV.

"There is no clear direction about which Eco-friendly cars will win. We are dividing roles of Hyundai and Kia, with Hyundai launching fuel cell cars and Kia focusing on electric cars," Senior Vice President, Eco-friendly car division Hyundai-KIA Lee Ki-sang addressing to reporters. Adding more to it Mr. Lee said, “The time will come when Kia will introduce a fuel-cell car. Hyundai is also preparing to launch a battery-powered car, probably in 2016.”

Hyundai recently unveiled the Intrado, the Fuel Cell Powered compact crossover SUV, at the recently concluded 84th Geneva Motor Show. This four seater crossover features frame-less suicide doors for an easy ingress and egress. The state-of-the-art next generation powertrain provides an impressive range of 600km courtesy the twin hydrogen tanks placed under the rear seat and trunk floor and a 36 KW lithium-ion battery pack.

From February 2012, Hyundai has been selling the Tucson/iX35 FCV (Fuel Cell) zero emission compact SUV which is world's first mass produced FC vehicle. KIA is also launching Soul EV in Korea shortly and the company has planned to go global with Soul EV.

In a nut shell, Hyundai is set to grab both the tracks – EV and FCV and will emerge as a leading zero emission auto manufacturer in green future, that we all hope to come soon!