Hyundai Motor Co. announced its plans to begin selling its first battery-powered electric car in 2016.
Hyundai, South Korea's main producer of fuel-cell vehicles, has been focusing on using engines that turn hydrogen into electricity as a result of markets imposing stricter emissions regulations, according to Reuters. At the same time, the company's research and development partner Kai Motors Corp., which is 34 percent owned by Hyundai, has been looking to use rechargeable batteries.
Lee Ki-sang, senior vice president who is in charge of the eco-friendly car divisions of both companies, spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the goals of Hyundai and Kai, Reuters reported.
"There is no clear direction about which eco-friendly cars will win," Ki-sang said. "We are dividing the roles of Hyundai and Kai, with Hyundai launching fuel cell cars and Kai focusing on electric cars. But the time will come when Kai will introduce a fuel-cell car. Hyundai is also preparing to launch a (battery-powered) electric car in 2016."
The environment-friendly initiatives started by governments are resulting in the increasing production of zero-fuel emissions, according to the Hindustan Times. Auto makers in California must produce a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles for their overall fleet or buy credits from companies who produce more of them.
Kai announced on Tuesday that it will start building the Soul EV compact next month in Korea. The vehicle will be Hyundai-Kai's first battery-powered EV export, and will be released to the United States and Europe, Reuters reported. The car is capable of running up to 92 miles per 24 to 33 minute fast charge, or four hours on low charge.
Kai has preferred building battery-powered cars because the vehicles can be charged at home and at charging stations, while fuel-cell cars have to be refilled with hydrogen at filling stations only, according to Reuters. The battery-powered EV's position in the market has remained due to small driving ranges, a lack of charging stations and prices for battery costs.
