Hyundai Shows its First Pure Electric Car, the i10 'BlueOn'

In a special event in South Korea, Hyundai revealed its first production-ready full electric car named "Blueon". Based on the firm's small i10 hatchback, the BlueOn was developed over a one year period, with an investment of approximately 40 billion Won, or US$34 million.

The Blueon is equipped with an electric motor producing 61kW (82HP) and maximum torque of 210Nm. Energy is drawn from a 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery pack, which offers a driving range of 140 km (87 miles) on a single charge.

When connected to a regular household power supply, the battery pack can be fully recharged within six hours, while under the 'quick charge' method, the battery can be replenished to around 80 percent capacity in 25 minutes.

Hyundai says the BlueOn can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 13.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 130km/h (81mph).

Like other EVs, the BlueOn features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which creates an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians when driving at low speeds.

Hyundai said it is planning to provide around 30 BlueOn test fleet vehicles to a number of Korean government organizations over the next few months to develop and test charging infrastructure over a two year period, with a goal of building building 2,500 examples for sale by the end of 2012.

"We are proud to introduce the world to BlueOn, which was fully developed in Korea and displays Hyundai's latest technological advancements," said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman at Hyundai's Corporate R&D Center. "Consumers' interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising and securing such advanced technology is critical in becoming an industry leader. Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and satisfying market needs."