We are forging ahead with the development of environmentally-friendly cars of the future, following the launch of an LPi hybrid in 2009 and a gasoline hybrid car in 2010. As a result of lengthy research and investment in eco-positive cars, our green technology will present a new standard for tomorrow’s automobiles.

Environmentally-friendly vehicle : A vehicle which reduces petroleum use and produces less exhaust gases by utilizing new energy sources.

Hybrid electric vehicles integrate the engine and motor power to move the vehicle. While reducing exhaust emissions compared to existing internal combustion vehicles, hybrid cars can also improve fuel economy and power performance, in addition to delivering a quiet ride.

- Localization of key hybrid parts (motor, inverter, battery)
- World’s first hybrid to be powered by lithium polymer batteries
- US launch of Sonata hybrid and Optima hybrid in 2011,
featuring independently developed hybrid system

The plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle that allows charging of its battery using an external power source.
Hyundai·Kia plans to begin mass production of the plug-in hybrid after the ongoing fleet testing.

Electric vehicles supply electric energy from a high voltage battery instead of fossil fuels to the electric motor for propulsion, producing zero pollution. For the most part, electric vehicles share the same technologies as hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles as they are outfitted with electric power components. However, development of a high performance battery is vital for the full-scale distribution of pure electric vehicles. Accordingly, we have been focusing our R&D resources on battery development. Moreover, close cooperation with the government is essential for the expansion of a quick charging station network. The fleet testing that began in 2010 marks the starting point of a partnership between the government and the auto industry in advancing EVs.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by fuel cells that produce electricity through a chemical process using hydrogen fuel and oxygen. They emit no pollutants; only water and heat. These pro-environment vehicles resolve both problems of greenhouse gases and depletion of finite energy sources.

When hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell batteries, hydrogen molecules (H2) are converted into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons. The electrons move into an external circuit, where they create the energy needed to drive the motor.
The ions pass through a proton exchange membrane and meet up with oxygen atoms and electrons from the external circuit to form water molecules. Water is then the only emission from the fuel cell electric vehicle and is expelled into the atmosphere with the remaining air.