Amidst the rising popularity of hybrid cars, Hyundai and Kia’s consistent efforts to build their hybrid car technology are coming to fruition.
The decision made by Hyundai and Kia in 2011 to independently develop the world’s first parallel hybrid system is being recognized as the driving force that has allowed them to stay ahead of competitors in the hybrid market.
According to industry reports, the sales of hybrid cars in South Korea surpassed 300,000 for the first time by November this year, marking an increase of over 40% compared to last year’s 211,304 units, setting a record. Back in 2016, sales were only about 62,000 units, but in just seven years, that number has nearly increased fivefold. Furthermore, if the growth trend continues until the end of the year, it is expected to outpace diesel vehicles for the first time ever.
As of November this year, Hyundai and Kia sold a total of 254,258 hybrid cars in South Korea alone, representing 21% of their overall sales.
Not only in South Korea but also in overseas markets, Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid models are rapidly gaining ground. By November, they sold a total of 513,000 hybrid cars overseas (based on shipments).
In just this year, they have sold 767,000 hybrid cars worldwide, marking a 32% increase compared to the same period last year.
Hyundai and Kia’s ability to maintain their position as the third largest global player for two consecutive years can be attributed to their strong foothold in the electric vehicle market and their successful responses in the hybrid market.
Hyundai and Kia aim to establish a breakthrough in the ongoing global eco-friendly car competition, based on the hybrid system that they have consistently developed for over ten years.
A hybrid car combines a combustion engine with an electric motor, employing a more complex technical mechanism compared to traditional internal combustion engine or electric vehicles. The precise control of engine and motor operations in various driving conditions is essential.
In 2011, Hyundai and Kia made headlines by introducing the Sonata/K5 hybrid equipped with the world’s first ‘parallel hybrid system.’ At that time, companies like Toyota and GM were strengthening their market dominance with ‘series-parallel (composite) hybrid systems.’ Although Toyota had previously attempted to implement a parallel hybrid system, they ultimately gave up on the endeavor.
The background to Hyundai and Kia’s ability to independently develop the ‘parallel hybrid system’ lies in their accumulated mechanical engineering expertise through engine and transmission development.
The engine, which is considered the heart of a car, is regarded as the ‘flower’ of mechanical engineering, embodying all aspects of mechanical technology. Since developing Korea’s first independently-developed engine, the ‘Alpha Engine,’ in 1991, Hyundai has developed countless engines that have elevated their position as a global automaker.
In 2019, they developed the world’s first CVVD (Continuously Variable Valve Duration) technology, which significantly enhances overall engine performance. CVVD optimizes the duration the intake valves are open based on the engine’s operating conditions and is seen as a fusion of advanced engine control technology and creative thinking.
In 2009, they successfully developed a 6-speed automatic transmission, becoming the third automaker to achieve this, thus establishing a technological lead in the global transmission market.
With decades of accumulated mechanical engineering know-how, Hyundai and Kia were able to develop a pioneering hybrid system that improved drive efficiency while avoiding patents held by competitors.
Since the mass production of their first hybrid system, Hyundai and Kia have consistently pursued performance enhancements and efficiency improvements.
To expand the application of hybrid technology across various vehicle segments, Hyundai and Kia have paired their systems with engines of different displacements, and equipped DCT transmissions to maximize efficiency. In 2020, they even launched a hybrid model powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine boasting 180 horsepower.
To enhance fuel efficiency, they utilized advanced material technologies to reduce the weight of the hybrid system while introducing paddle shifts that adjust the level of regenerative braking.
Hyundai and Kia also developed core components of the hybrid system, such as batteries. The recently released Santa Fe hybrid features a hybrid-specific battery developed by the Hyundai Motor Group for the first time.
While focusing on the development of next-generation technologies like electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Hyundai and Kia have made the right choice in continuously advancing their hybrid systems.
The recently launched Kia Carnival hybrid has garnered significant popularity, integrating nearly all of Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid technologies.
The Carnival 1.6 turbo hybrid boasts an outstanding fuel efficiency of up to 14.0 km/L, alongside a maximum system output of 245 horsepower (180 horsepower from the engine) and a maximum system torque of 37.4 kg·m (27.0 kg·m from the engine).
The system’s total peak output is the highest among all hybrid cars launched by Hyundai Motor Group to date, equipped with a 54kW high-performance motor.
The ride comfort enhancement technology utilized through the drive motor is also impressive. E-Handling distributes the vertical load of the vehicle’s front and rear based on the torque of the drive motor, enhancing cornering responsiveness and stability. E-EHA (Electrically Evasive Handling Assist) provides steering assistance during emergencies.
E-Ride reduces the upward movement of the front end of the vehicle before passing over speed bumps by using the deceleration torque of the drive motor while minimizing the downward movement afterward with motor drive.
Due to these high product standards, the Carnival hybrid accounts for as much as 70% of all Carnival contract customers.
Global automotive publications continue to praise Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid car models.
The Kia Niro hybrid was named the best car by leading automotive evaluation website ‘Cars.com’ in their ‘2023 Best Cars Awards’ earlier this year, surpassing its competitors.
Additionally, the Hyundai Grandeur hybrid was selected as the ‘Car of the Year’ by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association in January this year.
Hyundai and Kia are ramping up their efforts in developing next-generation hybrid systems that significantly enhance efficiency and performance in response to the persistent growth trend in hybrid car demand.
Set to launch by 2025, the next-generation hybrid system is expected to integrate with high-performance engines and achieve remarkable improvements in fuel efficiency.
The market outlook for hybrid cars remains bright. According to global market research firm ‘Global Fortune Business Insights’, the global hybrid car market is projected to grow by 19.2% this year, reaching a value of $271.8 billion (approximately 360.54 trillion KRW). This company predicts that the compound annual growth rate for the hybrid car market will be 7.3%, reaching $443.91 billion (approximately 589 trillion KRW) by 2030.
A Hyundai and Kia representative stated, “As we accelerate the transition from internal combustion vehicles to electrification, we will actively respond to the rapidly increasing demand for hybrid cars. We will concentrate all our technology development capabilities to provide our customers with a better driving experience and a wider range of eco-friendly vehicle options.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr