Hybrid tech found in more models
VERSATILE: Combination of gas and electric motor new to BMW and Hyundai vehicles
With recent announcements from Victoria benefiting electric vehicle owners — from rebates to HOVlane access — it will be worth your while checking out the many green cars and trucks at the show. Here’s five not to miss:
2017 Kia Optima
Unveiled last month at the Chicago Auto Show, the new Optima Hybrid combines the fourth-generation sport styling of the gas model with the added efficiency of a hybrid drivetrain. Available in base and EX, the new model is powered by a electric-enhanced 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offering a combined power rating of 193 horsepower and a reported 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing hybrid model. The more compact, lightweight, lithium-polymer battery pack fits neatly underneath the trunk floor without encroaching into cargo space. The result is a more practical load area.
2016 BMW X5 xDrive 40e
The first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand, the X5 xDrive 40e features full-time all-wheel drive and combines sporty performance with impressive efficiency. Power comes from a highoutput twin-turbo four-cylinder gas engine, working with a high-efficiency electric motor. To charge the high-voltage battery, the X5 can be plugged into a conventional household power socket, a BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station.
With a reported combined fuel efficiency rating of just 3.4 L/100 km, the X5 eDrive shows that even luxury sport utes can be economical.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
The big news in Malibu country for 2016 is an all-new design with improved styling, comfort, driving dynamics and connectivity. But for hybrid fans, the more important news is the slick sedan is now available with a green power plant.
Using components and technology from the plug-in Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid offers a reported fuel rating of 4.9 L/100 km city, 5.2 highway. Power comes from an allnew, direct-injected 1.8-L four-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit. Combined power is rated at 182 horsepower. The Malibu Hybrid shares the Volt’s regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic-energy recovery during braking to be stored in the battery to help maintain charge.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
The first rechargeable hybrid vehicle offered by Hyundai boasts a class-leading all-electric range of 43 km. Once that electric range is depleted, a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 154 horsepower takes over and the Sonata PHEV drives like a normal hybrid. With electric power working with the gas engine, net output is 202 h.p., with fuel consumption estimated at a combined 2.4 L equivalent/100 km.
The lithium-polymer battery pack has a capacity of 9.8 kWh and can be recharged in less than three hours using a Level 2 charger (240V), or approximately nine hours with a standard 120-V wall outlet. The battery in the Sonata PHEV can also be recharged while driving.
2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
With the debut of the Prius, Toyota set out to establish itself as being synonymous with hybrid technology. It’s done that, and this recent addition brings the hybrid family to seven models. Built around a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive that’s been optimized for a compact SUV, the RAV4 Hybrid’s power comes from a 2.5-L four-cylinder engine working with high-torque electric motors and continuously variable transmission. It has best-in-class city (6.9 L/100km) and combined (7.2) fuel efficiency and offers four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, ECO and EV.