The 2016 Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid, unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, is an example of how eco-friendly hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly accessible to people who aren't necessarily filthy rich.
The first feature Hyundai advertises about this vehicle is the fact that it can run for 35.4 km using battery power alone and without having to burn a milligram of fossil fuel. This means that if your commutes are short, you can theoretically get through your day without having to ever use the internal combustion engine.
This vehicle is equipped with a Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device, which uses a 50-kilowatt electric motor instead of a torque converter. This motor is 32% more powerful than the motor used in the regular Sonata Hybrid and allows for higher speeds.
Plug-In Hybrid Cars
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Was Unveiled At the Detroit Auto Show
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Hybrid Vehicles - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop affordable hybrid vehicle options with extended battery power for short commutes.
2. Accessible Eco-friendly Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create eco-friendly technology that is more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.
3. Powerful Electric Motors - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design electric motors that are more powerful and efficient than current options, enabling higher speeds.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate eco-friendly hybrid technology into mainstream vehicles, making them more accessible to consumers.
2. Renewable Energy Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop renewable energy solutions that can power eco-friendly vehicles for extended periods, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Technology Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create advanced electric motors and battery systems that can be utilized across various industries, including automotive and beyond.