Hyundai announces a next-gen hybrid powertrain

The South Korean automaker plans to switch its entire model lineup, meaning all Hyundai and Genesis-branded cars, to an innovative part-electric drivetrain promising unparalleled energy savings.

It comprises a gas engine coupled with the wheels via a traditional transmission and two electric motors. One of the motors doesn’t drive the wheels directly, instead focusing on regenerative braking and torque control, while the other one helps the IC engine when rapid acceleration is needed. It can also act as a generator when needed.

The sophisticated powertrain design theoretically allows it to be used with any Hyundai engine currently in production. The company has a variety of IC engines on the market right now, rated from 100 to 300 PS (99–296 hp; 74–221 kW), so there should be plenty of flexibility between performance and cost. The design seen here features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the company says a 1.6-liter turbo option is already underway as well.

Aside from maximizing range per tank, the new powertrain has record-low noise and vibration levels, Hyundai proudly points out. As a result, it should deliver exceptional comfort in long-range trips.

The first cars produced with this technology under the hood will all be mild hybrids (MHEV). Moving forward, the company plans to add plug-in hybrids (PHEV) to the lineup along with bigger battery options. Last but not least, a different version of the same powertrain is in development that has two electric motors driving all four wheels (e-AWD).