Tag Archives: Hyundai

Hyundai Introduces New Hydrogen-Powered Concepts, Including A 671 HP Sports Car

The auto industry is undergoing a major transition as the era of the internal combustion engine is coming to a close.

While a number of companies are going electric, that isn’t the only option as fuel cells are waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Hyundai is shining some on them today with a Hydrogen Wave event, which aims to popularize the eco-friendly technology and usher in a new ‘wave’ of hydrogen-powered products.

There’s a lot to cover, but the Hyundai Motor Group believes they will be able to offer fuel cell vehicles at a price point that is comparable to battery electric vehicles by 2030. This would be a big change as the Hyundai Nexo starts at $58,935⁠ while the Toyota Mirai begins at $49,500.

Also Read: Hyundai Plans To Deploy 30 Hydrogen Transport Trucks In California By 2023

In order to achieve this, the company is planning to introduce their next-generation fuel cell system in 2023. It promises to be 50% more affordable than the current system, while also offering improved durability and output.

The third-generation fuel cell is currently in development, but the company showed off two different versions of it. The 100 kW stack is 30% smaller than the current one and this enables it to be used in a greater range of vehicles and applications. The company also showcased a 200 kW version designed for commercial vehicles and it’s roughly the same size as the current Nexo system, despite having twice the output.

The fuel cells can also be used in a variety of non-automotive applications and Hyundai mentioned using them as an emergency power supply for large ships or IT companies. As part of this effort, 100 kW units can be linked together in a Lego-like fashion to provide combined outputs ranging from 500 kW to 1 MW.

The company also revealed a “Full-Flat System,” which has a reduced stack height of 9.8 inches (25 cm). This allows fuel cells to be used in vehicles – ranging from buses, trams and MPVs – with minimal clearance.

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Much of the news focused on commercial vehicles and Hyundai expects to become the first global automaker to apply fuel cells to all their commercial vehicles by 2028. The company isn’t a stranger to this as the XCIENT Fuel Cell was the world’s first mass produced fuel cell heavy-duty truck and is already in use.

There are a number of other vehicles on the horizon including a tractor based on the XCIENT Fuel Cell, which will arrive in 2024. Hyundai also announced plans for a 5- to 7-meter (16.4 – 23 feet) purpose built fuel cell vehicle, which will compete in the global light commercial vehicle segment.

While hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles will help to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, the real highlight of the event was the introduction of a handful of concepts. The most eye-catching was the Vision FK, which is a high-performance model that is apparently based on the Kia Stinger.

Hyundai didn’t go into many specifics, but said the prototype has a “fuel cell energy converter” and a rear-wheel drive plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup gives the car an output in excess of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and allows for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of less than four seconds. The model is also slated to have a range of over 373 miles (600 km).

During a press conference last night, Hyundai’s research and development boss revealed the model was developed with the assistance of Rimac and described it as “technical overkill.”  Albert Biermann added the car’s development was an exciting challenge and hinted at the possibility of taking it racing.

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On the trucking side of things, there’s the Trailer Drone concept. It’s essentially a container, which rides on two e-Bogies.  The latter are the star of the show as they’re essentially fully autonomous vehicles with the top half cut off.

Each e-Bogie has a fuel cell powertrain as well as wheels with independent steering. The latter allows for unprecedented maneuverability and even a Hummer-like crab walk function.  Furthermore, the company envisions a Cluster Mode, which would enable “multiple Trailer Drones to travel together in an almost train-like configuration.”

The e-Bogies can be used for other applications and that’s apparent with the Rescue Drone concept. It’s effectively an e-Bogie, which has been outfitted with a number of drones. The concept is envisioned to be used in emergency situations, such as fighting fires.

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Hyundai also showed off a portable hydrogen refueling station as well as a Rescue Hydrogen Generator Vehicle. The latter can be used to supply power to stranded EVs in remote, off-road areas.

According to Chairman Euisun Chung, “Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as our homes, work places and factories. The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything and everywhere.” He went on to say the company wants to offer “practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity” and help foster a hydrogen society by 2040.

While some of the ideas seem a little far fetched, Hyundai wants to educate people about hydrogen and get them excited about fuel cell vehicles.  The company is also optimistic about the future of the technology as a number of governments have announced plans to support efforts to promote fuel cell vehicles.

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Reviews In And Here’s What They’re Saying

Back in April, Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz, a Tucson-based unibody pickup truck. Since then, we’ve seen a few walkarounds in a studio environment, but now, the real-world reviews have arrived.

The Santa Cruz is offered with a choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the same 2.5L inline-four. The naturally aspirated version makes 191 hp (194 PS / 142 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, while the turbocharged version makes 281 hp (285 PS / 210 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

Read More: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Half Tucson SUV, Half Small Pickup Truck

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FWD is standard with AWD as an option, but all Santa Cruz models send their power to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Depending on trim, you can haul up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) and tow up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). As for pricing, after destination charges, it ranges from $25,175 for the base SE with FWD and the naturally aspirated engine all the way up to $41,500 for the range-topping Limited with AWD and the turbocharged engine.

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The general consensus across all the reviews seems to be that the Santa Cruz is the perfect truck for non-truck people. It’s for people who like their SUV, but also want an open bed. One thing that was pointed out in almost every review was that thanks to its unibody platform, not only does it drive like a car, but a well-sorted one at that.

Finally, another thing touched on in quite a few of the reviews is that this truck will have to watch out for the Ford Maverick, which offers similar capabilities at a comparable (and in some cases lower) price point.

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Hyundai Motor Group to Invest $7,4 Billion in U.S to Built EVs

Today, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, announced its plan to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future EVs, enhance production facilities and further its investments in smart mobility solutions.

HMG’s investment will enhance overall product competitiveness by prioritizing future mobility technologies, including electrification and hydrogen energy.

José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Chief Operating Officer and President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America said, “I am excited to make this announcement on behalf of the Hyundai Motor Group. This investment demonstrates our deep commitment to the U.S. market, our dealers and customers. Hyundai will lead the future of mobility in the United States and around the world. Our efforts are proof positive that Hyundai will continue to pursue excellence in our current and future product line-up.”

Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America added, “One key element of Kia’s transformation is transitioning from internal combustion engine to electrification. With our strategic investment in the United States to produce EV models, we are making huge strides to lead the EV market but also increase our contribution to the economies where we do business.”

Hyundai and Kia will invest in growing its EV manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a suite of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year.

Hyundai and Kia will monitor the market conditions and U.S. government EV policy to finalize its plan to enhance its U.S. production facilities and gradually expand its local EV production.

The Hyundai Motor Co. Nexo fuel cell car stands on display during the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. Electric and driverless cars will remain a big part of this year’s CES, as makers of high-tech cameras, batteries, and AI software vie to climb into automakers’ dashboards. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Hyundai Motor Group will expand the U.S. hydrogen ecosystem in collaboration with local private and public partners

Hyundai Motor Group looks forward to working with the U.S. government and other business partners to expand the U.S. hydrogen energy ecosystem. The Group is committed to fostering a hydrogen society to create new business opportunities for a sustainable future.

Hyundai Motor Group signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy in February 2020 to cooperate in hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation and global expansion. This included the installation of a hydrogen refueling station and providing NEXO SUVs.

Later this year, Hyundai will proceed on demonstration project in preparation for commercialization of fuel cell electric trucks. Hyundai Motor will also work with local partners to conduct a hydrogen refueling demonstration project for fuel cell electric trucks. and provide logistics between port and inland warehouses by utilizing fuel cell electric trucks.

Hyundai have previously made an agreement with Cummins Inc., an U.S. based company which specializes in advanced powertrain, to accelerate deployment of fuel cell electric systems in the U.S. market.

HMG to invest in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), robotics and autonomous technologies

Hyundai Motor Group will launch a subsidiary in Washington, D.C. to spearhead the Group’s UAM businesses. The subsidiary will focus on creating an UAM ecosystem and revolutionizing the mobility experience.

The Group also will firmly establish its presence in the robotics field through Boston Dynamics. The Group announced last year that it agreed to acquire a controlling 80 percent interest in Boston Dynamics in a deal that values the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion.

In addition, Hyundai Motor Group has created the joint venture, Motional, in partnership with the leading U.S. mobility technology firm Aptiv. Focused on commercializing driverless technology, Motional has obtained the industry’s first driverless license in the state of Nevada and plans to commercialize robotaxi service in 2023 along with its partner Lyft. Motional has started testing Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology on public roads.

Together, the Hyundai Motor Group and Motional will enhance its autonomous driving technology in preparation for Lyft’s robotaxi launch in 2023.

Source: Hyundai

Hyundai Enhancing 2022 Tucson With New N Line And Plug-in Hybrid Models

The 2022 U.S.-spec Tucson N Line and Plug-in Hybrid have finally been revealed. The N Line package offers sexy looks while the efficient plug-in hybrid model offers surprising performance.

The N Line tweaks the Tucson’s appearance to make it look a little more aggressive. Adorned with special bumpers, a new grille, black headlights bezels, black side mirrors, dual-tip exhausts, and a rear spoiler, the N Line Tucson certainly looks sportier.

The new 19-inch, N Line-exclusive wheels help round out the look and N Line badging ensures people know what they’re looking at. It can be had in Ash Black, White Pearl, Titan Gray, and Red Crimson, which is only available with this trim package.

Inside, you get a black headliner and red accents on the doors and seats. Speaking of the seats, they come in leather with fabric inserts with the N Line badge. The badge also finds its way onto the shifter and the leather-wrapped steering wheel. You also get a Bose audio system and the whole package comes with everything included in the SEL and Convenience packages. This is strictly an appearance package, though, so no performance modifications have been made.

Read Also: 2021 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Lands In The UK With Sub-£40,000 Price

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, meanwhile, is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor for a total output of 261 hp, while the 13.8 kWh battery gives an all-electric range of 32 miles and features Level II fast charging that enables a full charge in less than two hours.

In all, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid should offer 70 MPGe of fuel economy and is capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs, and is offered as standard with all-wheel.

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Hyundai is also promising an engaging driving experience, saying it has designed the Plug-in Hybrid to be more fun to drive than its competitors. It will feature e-handling technology to control torque in order to make it handle better. The system can even use the electric motors to apply some slowing force on corner entry and improve turn-in response. As you accelerate out of the corner, meanwhile, it will funnel power to the rear as much as possible to counter understeer and help you go around the bends faster.

Hyundai has already announced that the Tucson N Line will start at $30,600, but has not revealed Plug-in Hybrid pricing yet. The N Line will be available in spring, while the Plug-in Hybrid will come this summer.

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2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Rendering

Today we want to share with you this rendering images of the long awaited Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup, made by our colleagues at CarExpert. These renderings (front & rear) are based on the latest spy pictures taken in the U.S, with less camouflage than ever, so what do you think?

What we know so far?

The Santa Cruz pickup codename is NX4 (the same as Tucson) with the addition of the letters OB, so “NX4 OB”. It has a smaller body than the traditional pickup truck. It is a four-door model with a five-seater structure, and features excellent ride comfort and space utilization compared to a frame body-based pickup truck. Hyundai’s plan is to open up a new market called an urban pickup truck.

As an urban pickup truck, it will be released as a compact, leisurely pickup truck for drivers who mainly carry mountain bikes, kayaks, and camping equipment rather than for gravel, concrete block transportation, and boat towing. 

With a unibody construction and numerous unknown specifications, we don’t know how much the 2021 Santa Cruz will be able to tow or how much payload it will be able to carry in its cargo bed. Still, we expect it will be able to pull more than the Santa Fe and closely align with the Ridgeline, which maxes out at 5000 pounds.

Also Hyundai Motor and its affiliates are in the process of updating the lines and supply lines of the Alabama plant, as the company has decided to produce Hyundai’s next generation Tucson (codenamed NX4) earlier 2020, while pick-up derivative launch for late 2020.

Information indicates that the Pickup will have a 2.5-liter engine, with a hybrid option and will be a four-door ‘lifestyle’ pickup with a monocoque chassis. Its target market will be millennials, which Hyundai describes as ‘a new generation of buyers’ in its press release.

As for what the pickup will look like, that remains to be seen, and despite Hyundai used the photos of the concept Santa Cruz for its production announcement, the final production version would be far from the concept and will share family look with the 4th generation Tucson.

What do you expect about this pick-up?