The Next Sonata Hybrid

I believe it still qualifies as a "mild hybrid" based on the limited information provided in the link. The previous generation of Hyundai "hybrids" simply had a belt-driven motor-generator in lieu of a starter and alternator, and a larger battery. This one incorporates the electric motor into the drive-train, but I see no mention of regenerative-braking. They are still miles behind the Prius in my opinion.

 

Kudo's for them providing a 10yr/100k on all hybrid's powertrains and a lifetime warranty on the hybrid battery! I wonder if the plug-in will get the same. If so, that's something that should definitely be figured into total costs.

From the Hyundai website: The Sonata Hybrid switches seamlessly between a gasoline engine and an electric motor to deliver efficient power. The gasoline engine delivers the primary charge energy for the lithium polymer batteries while the regenerative braking system helps provide supplemental energy.

2016 Sonata Hybrid - Two New Hybrids Coming Soon | Hyundai

 

I'm skeptical of such warranties. Sometimes they are a sales ploy to assuage concerns about reliability, and the terms may be quite slippery in the fine -print. When I was researching a new car last year, one (unnamed) automaker was offering quite a generous warranty. When I researched it, I found that their cars were known for having lots of reliability issues, and the bad reviews were impacting sales. As a stop-gap measure, the company extended the new-car warranty, but that doesn't make the cars more reliable.

I suppose regenerative-braking goes without saying, with any motor-generator.

 

It is a beginning......give them some time to catch-up

 

I wouldn't be worried about the regen braking (they have it). I'd be worried about the Lithium polymer battery.

Hyundai Reveals Sonata Plug-In Hybrid

 

Hyundai, Mercedes, BMW, and VW use the same basic hybrid system, which actually is an improvement on hsd on high power applications, but is likely less efficient in the city on these around 200 hp or less vehicles.

The idea is instead of 2 motors when driven there is a dual clutch and a lock up automatic transmission.

There are 3 modes with psd that work with double clutch-
1) electric (ice at 0 rpm), clutch 1 engaged (motor to transmission) clutch 2 open (ice to motor)
2) charging while stopped, clutch 1 open with clutch 2 engaged)
3) ice engaged with battery charging/discharged/or not involved, both clutches engaged

The hyundai is a full hybrid. The disadvantage comes accelerating from a stop since it must shift. The advantage is highway driving, with lower transmission losses.

 

There's still needs to be some sort of class-distinction between a basic hybrid system described, and the suite of technologies that are combined to achieve the type of fuel economy that the Prius delivers.

 

Out of curiosity, why?

 

Leaders and followers.

 

So it's a way to chest thump then. Got it.

 

Not really. Achievement should be recognized.

 

The definition of FULL has always (for 15 years now) been any system with the flexibility to deliver propulsion & generating both with the engine and without, as well as blending & separating through the use of some sort of power-split device.

That's why IMA was always identified as a different type. Since it only had a single electric-motor and it was connected directly to the engine, it lacked some of those abilities... hence it being just an ASSIST hybrid.

At no time has there ever been any MPH or even KW criteria. And without the flexibility, is not a FULL hybrid.

 

That is a little funny. Toyota has been a follower other than in hybrid. We should welcome hyundai to the party. Either way midsized hybrids are selling
Compare Side-by-Side
with the new fuel numbers hyundai rises to number 2 just under the hybrid accord, of course we don't know real world
The hybrid numbers

46,955 Fusion hybrid + energi
39,515 Camry
21,052 Sonata
14,426 accord hybrid + phev
13,776 Optima

Hyundai uses the same hybrid system on the Sonata hybrid and kia optima hybrid. With the improved fuel economy (39 cty, 44 hwy) and trunk space the new sonata may get a higher take rate even with low gas prices. Honda had the lowest take rate, perhaps this is because of how they handled bad battery software on past hybrids, or it is because of the hybrid premium.

Take rate ordered by total sales volume
9.2% Camry
3.7% Accord
15.3% Fusion
9.7% Sonata
8.7% Optima

I can see the Sonata/Optima both getting above 10% take rate with the redesign.

 

I would think that Hyundai would be very careful about their EPA ratings this time around so it may be safe to assume they won't over rate them again.

 

Toyota earned my faith many years ago.

 

Mine too. Well not faith per say but admiration. It's a good company with a good product!

 

Northern Canada, 1987; our crew was working in the bush for 6 weeks, hundreds of miles from the nearest city, and the "roads" were just muddy goat-trails at best. From our fleet of vehicles of GM, Chrysler and Fords, nearly all of them broke down in the harsh conditions, one by one. In the end, the '82 Hilux was the only one left in working order, and it not only ferried out the crew, but it also towed most of the broken vehicles as well. It was the oldest vehicle in the fleet.