Auto Expo 2010: Hyundai unveils i10 Electric; but not for India just yet

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country's largest car exporter and second largest car manufacturer, has unveiled the electric version of the compact car i10, one of its most popular models, at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.

The i10 Electric – billed as a zero-emission urban commuter vehicle - made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It is slated for a limited series production run this year in Hyundai's home market of South Korea.

Arvind Saxena, director (marketing & sales), HMIL, said at the unveiling, ''A growing awareness amongst consumers for all things green inspired us to introduce the electric version of our immensely popular compact car – i10. It is truly a world car with zero emissions, and its unveiling marks the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey. We hope that the heightened interest in electric vehicles will present us with a huge opportunity to bring in EV technology to the Indian market in the near future.''

Powered by a 49 kWh electrical motor and a 16 kWh battery, the i10 electric uses advanced LiPoly (lithium-ion-polymer) technology. The low kerb weight and evolved battery technology gives the i10 Electric a driving range of 160 km on a single charge, with a top speed of 130 kph.

The i10 Electric offers dual recharging cycles. Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately five hours for a full charge. With a 413V outlet, an industrial strength current, the battery can be recharged up to 85 per cent of its capacity within 15 minutes.

Hyundai displays full range