Hyundai launches its first fully-electric car

The Blueon EV is based on the i10 hatchback, and measures in at 3,585mm long, 1,595mm wide and 1,540mm tall. Under the bonnet, there is a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery which powers an electric motor which produces 82bhp and 210Nm of torque. This allows the Blueon to go from 0-100km/h in 13.1 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130km/h.

In terms of range, a fully-charged Blueon EV is able to travel up to 140km before the battery runs out. The car can be recharged through either a standard household 220V power outlet, which takes six hours, or through a 380V rapid charger which boosts the battery up to 80% capacity in 25 minutes. The Blueon also features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which creates an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians when driving at low speeds.

The Blueon was developed at a cost of US$34 million over a one year period, and Hyundai intends to put a fleet of around 30 units on test over the next few months by providing them to South Korean government organisations in order to develop and test the Electric Vehicle infrastructure, before putting around 2500 cars on 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 Centre. "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."