The sedan pairs a 2.0-liter gas-powered engine and electric motor that combine for 202 horsepower. The car also delivers an estimated 99 miles per gallon equivalent fuel-economy rating. The model’s 9.8-kWh battery is five times the size as the one in the Sonata Hybrid. Exactly how well these cars will sell could be a mystery for a little while, as Hyundai and its sister company Kia have steadfastly refused to disclose hybrid-sales figures and this policy might continue with the PHEV.
The Sonata PHEV starts at $34,600 before a potential federal-government incentive worth up to $4,919 kicks in. A “limited” trim runs for $4,000 more. The car, whose specifications were largely detailed last month, will be available for sale in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. The reason for this limited roll-out, Hyundai executives have said, is that those states have the best charging infrastructure network for PHEVs. No word on when the rest of the country will be able to easily buy the sedan, though folks in the other 40 states can at least put in special orders for the car. Take a look at Hyundai’s press release below, and read our First Drive impressions here.
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Exclusive Blue Link Smartphone App Controls Charging Schedule Remotely
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Rear Exterior 3/4
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. November 13, 2015 – This week the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) arrives in select dealerships with a competitively priced and compelling product that boasts a class-leading 27-mile All-Electric Range (AER). The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid offers the efficiency of an alternative powertrain with a unique aerodynamic exterior design, best-in-class total interior volume, premium features and advanced safety technology all at an excellent value.
2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Highlights
Industry-leading 0.24 coefficient of drag, tied with the Tesla Model S
Class-leading battery system capacity at 9.8 kWh, qualifies for the highest federal tax benefit for midsize PHEV sedans
Class-leading EPA estimated 40 mpg combined in charge sustaining mode (Hybrid operation)
Level-Two 240V charges in less than 3 hours
Total driving range up to 600 miles
“The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for Hyundai and gives drivers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a conventional gasoline engine for long trips or vacations with the additional benefit of environmentally-friendly all-electric range for commuting,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The flexibility of this alternative powertrain delivers efficient hybrid operation and eliminates any concerns for range anxiety, while providing an impressive total driving range capable of 600 miles.”
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid’s 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery system is roughly five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, and helps it achieve a class-leading 99 MPGe combined in charge-depleting electric vehicle (EV) mode. The larger battery system can be charged via an external electric power source using either a Level-One 120V power outlet in less than nine hours or a Level-Two 240V charging station in under three hours.
A 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with a 50kW electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. Sonata PHEV’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The power output from the electric motor (50 kW) is 32 percent more powerful than the electric motor applied on the Sonata Hybrid (38 kW) and allows for EV operation at higher engine load and speeds.
The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid pricing starts at $34,600 for a well-equipped model and offers more standard equipment than competitive segment vehicles, including 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, hands-free Smart Trunk, Dimension® premium audio system, 8-inch touchscreen navigation and Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
|
2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid |
MSRP |
Net MSRP w/ Federal Tax Incentive* |
|
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid |
$34,600 |
$29,681 |
|
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited |
$38,600 |
$33,681 |
|
Eligible for a *$4,919 federal tax credit based on class-leading 9.8 kWh battery capacity Additional local incentives also may be available depending on the state of residency |
||
MSRP does not include freight charges of $835.
Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. Advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam Assist and rear parking sensors are equipped on the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited. Additional convenient technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle is available on this incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan such as electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, driver memory seat, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control featuring full stop capability.
Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle remotely via an exclusive Blue Link® smartphone app that includes a three-year complimentary trial to Blue Link Connected Care with Charge Management. With the app, owners are given vehicle charging options they can select while in the car, but users can also manage them remotely via smartphone. For example, users have the option to manage the car’s charging schedule by setting a specific date and time to take advantage of off-peak electric rates.
Highlights of Charge Management Services:
Plug and Charge status
Time left until fully charged
Start or stop charging
Set up charging schedule with days of the week and time
Existing battery level
Real-time electric and fuel range
Vehicle diagnostics/status
The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is built at the Asan, South Korea plant and will be available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid buyers will be eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit; tax credits reduce the amount of federal tax the purchaser is liable for, making them much more valuable than tax deductions. Depending on the particular state, additional local incentives such as high-occupancy vehicle lane exemptions, financial incentives or utility rate reductions may be available.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.
