You might not be paying attention to hybrids now...
But later on you’ll be glad that someone was
For automakers the conundrum is this: give the car-buying public what they want — currently bigger and thirstier, vehicles — but somehow still meet stringent U.S. government-mandated fuel-economy targets that kick in a decade from now.
The new 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which is now available throughout Canada, is an obvious part of this strategy, but attracting buyers when the price of gasoline isn’t a motivating factor promises to be a significant challenge for Hyundai as well as for other makes.
But the show must go on, with a little help from various government green rebate programs and less-frequently-used driving-lane incentives that should entice at least some buyers to embrace plug-in electric technology.
Hyundai’s contribution to reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions is based on the existing non-plug-in Sonata hybrid, but with some significant changes. The PHEV’s lithium-polymer battery system is about five times larger, which helps it operate for up to (a claimed) 43 kilometres without assistance from the gasoline engine. By comparison, the Ford Fusion Energi PHEV is rated at 32 kilometres while there is no word yet regarding the new 2016 Toyota Prius plug-in’s numbers.
Both Sonata Hybrids use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 154 horsepower, but that number rises to 202 horsepower with assistance from the plug-in motor, compared to 193 for the non-plug-in hybrid. In addition, the PHEV’s 67-horsepower electric motor is nearly one-third more powerful, which is the secret to the car’s electric-only propulsion distance. With the gas engine assisting, the rating is estimated at 6.0 l/100 km in the city and 5.5 on the highway. That’s slightly less than the regular Hybrid’s 5.9/5.3 city/44 highway numbers.
Likely a factor is the added battery weight that makes the car about 135 kilograms heavier. Still, with an estimated 960 kilometre range, drivers could, in theory, can easily get from from Montreal, Que. to Windsor, Ont. (or equivalent distance) on one fill-up.
According to Hyundai, fully recharging the PHEV takes 2.5 hours using a 240-volt power source, or less than nine hours using 110-volt current (both times are similar to that of the Ford Fusion energi).
The Sonata Ultimate PHV (the only version available in Canada) lists for $45,900 including destination charges and fees, but excluding any provincial tax credits. That price includes the usual power-operated accessories and safety gear plus an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system.
The Sonata’s usual 60:40 splitfolding rear-seat is not available owing to the additional batteries positioned between the rear bench and the trunk.
You also can’t order a power-operated moonroof, but the Ultimate trim level does come with leather-covered seats (ventilated in front), wood-grain trim, heated steering wheel, electric parking brake and premium 400watt Infinity-brand audio system.
From that point it only gets better, with a rearview camera, blindspot monitoring, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems, rear parking assist and smart cruise control. The latter maintains a safe distance between you and the vehicle directly ahead and will bring the Sonata to a complete stop, if necessary.
Every PHEV is available with Hyundai’s Blue Link app for smart phones that includes a trial subscription to what’s called Charge Management Services. This allows you to monitor the car’s plug and charge status, time remaining until fully charged, existing battery level, remaining electric and fuel range and overall
diagnostics/status. As well, you can remotely start or stop the charging process and program a specific charging schedule for days and times of the week.
The PHEV’s attractive purchase price, at least considering the car’s full-load status, should garner interest among altruistic buyers looking to do good by driving smart. They’re also the ones who will be ahead of the curve once fuel prices rebound.