Global Watch: Hyundai unveils its first electric car -BlueOn

The “BlueOn,” based on its i10 hatchback, will be powered by batteries made by SK Energy with a capacity of 16.4 kilowatts per hour, Hyundai said in a statement, without disclosing prices for the vehicle. The BlueOn can run 140 kilometres on a single charge and features a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour, […]

The “BlueOn,” based on its i10 hatchback, will be powered by batteries made by SK Energy with a capacity of 16.4 kilowatts per hour, Hyundai said in a statement, without disclosing prices for the vehicle.

The BlueOn can run 140 kilometres on a single charge and features a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour, it said.

Hyundai said it was early to say in which markets the BlueOn will be launched first.

“We are taking a baby step. There is no infrastructure such as charging stations in Korea and many other countries,” a spokesperson said.

There are a number of electric vehicles in the works by other automakers, but their high cost and the limited range are cited as the biggest hurdles for their widespread adoption.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp, was the first major carmaker to roll out pure electric cars. Its i-MiEV electric car was introduced in Japan in August.

Nissan Motor Co plans to introduce a mass-market electric car in the United States in December. Ford will have an all-electric version of its Focus available in late 2011.

Culled: business standard.com