Report: Hyundai Thinking on EV to Satisfy California Regulations

by Jun 11, 2013All News, Eco Cars0 comments

Few days ago we were talk about the first about that Hyundai delivers first 15 Hydrogen ix35 Fuel Cell model and it seemed that the South Korean carmaker left it clear that its main focus for the future green cars were hydrogen fuel-cells, but according to John Krafcik says to The Detroit Bureau is not the only focused point.

In the U.S., California will mandate that all major manufacturers include some form of ZEV, or Zero-Emissions Vehicle, in their line-ups (Kia is also working on the Soul EV).  Among those already fitting the bill are the Nissan Leaf, the Ford Focus EV, the Tesla Model S, the new Chevrolet Spark EV, Honda’s Fit EV and the Toyota RAV4-EV.


Hyundai already has a vehicle in its local Korean market, called the BlueOn – it is basically an i10 without petrol engine. It has a range of less than 90 miles (144 km), top speed of 80 mph (128 km/h) and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 13.1 seconds. 

The Detroit Bureau quotes Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik, who said: “Our primary zero-emission vehicle focus is fuel cell right now, but we will certainly field a BEV at some point.” This makes official, but the BlueOn may not be the car they will want to sell, as the all-important numbers wouldn’t necessarily put it at the front of the pack.

Written by Jose Antonio Lopez

Passionated about Korean cars from Hyundai, Kia & Genesis. Photographer. I love being in nature, hiking. Tech lover.

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