Hyundai Motor Co. launched its first hybrid today, but if you think it's just another Prius wannabe, think again. The Elantra LPI runs on liquid petroleum gas and lithium-polymer batteries.
The world's No. 5 automaker hopes the LPG-electric sedan will help meet South Korea's growing demand for fuel-efficient cars and bring it a reputation for technological innovation.
"The LPI will show Hyundai has hybrid technology and help improve its image," Kang Sang-min, an industry analyst in Seoul, told Reuters.
Yeah, but why liquid petroleum gas? As we told you a year ago when Hyundai announced the car, propane is cheap and plentiful in South Korea, and it's more efficient than gasoline. The Elantra LPI gets 17.8 kilometers per liter of LPG -- 41.8 mpg, if our math is right -- and emits just 99 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
Hyundai is starting small, hoping to sell just 7,500 Elantra LPIs in South Korea this year and twice that many next year, according to Reuters. Hyundai says it has received more than 1,000 orders for the car.
There are no plans to export the Elantra LPI, which starts at 20.5 million Won -- about $16,000 by our calculations.
Photo: Hyundai
