According to Hyundai Motor Company, green vehicles (hybrid engine vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid engine vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)) are expected to reach a global sales volume of 9 million vehicles by 2023 (equivalent to 9.1% of all global vehicle sales). Among these environmentally friendly vehicles, HEVs and PHEVs are expected to grow considerably, by 39% and 36%, respectively. The Hyundai Group believes that it is too risky to focus development on only one type of green vehicle, and has decided to instead develop all types. With regards to internal combustion engines (ICEs), the OEM will develop downsized engines with improved thermal efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Developments to optimize fuel consumption and increase efficiency in hybrid systems are also underway. The automaker released its first hybrid vehicle in 2009, the Sonata HEV in 2011, and a PHEV model in 2013. Additionally, the OEM released its Tucson FCEV and has focused on basic development. In 2016, Hyundai developed a specific platform for third-generation green vehicles, and released HEV, EV, and PHEV versions of its IONIQ series. In 2018, the OEM plans to release its next-generation FCEV. Following this, the Hyundai Motor Company Group announced it will release 28 environmentally friendly vehicles (ten HEVs, eight PHEVs, eight EVs, and two FCEVs) by 2020. This report will introduce the OEM’s powertrain developments.

(The 2017 North American model of the IONIQ HEV and its engine: From Hyundai Motor Company press release materials)

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