Hyundai BlueOn Electric Vehicle Unveiled In South Korea, Previews i10 Update

Hyundai has revealed its first-ever production-ready electric vehicle in South Korea today, dubbed Hyundai BlueOn.

Based on the Hyundai i10 Electric prototype shown at last year's Frankfurt Auto Show, the Hyundai BlueOn sports a new front-end inspired by the company's 'Fluidic Sculpture' styling.

This new face is also likely to be a preview of the updated look scheduled to adorn the regular petrol-driven 2011 Hyundai i10 at the Paris Auto Show this month.

Energy for the all-electric BlueOn is drawn from a 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery, powering a 61kW electric motor. Driving range from one charge is listed as 140km, and a recharge at home (with 220v output) takes just six hours.

Hyundai says the BlueOn will reach 100km/h in 13.1 seconds, with top speed listed as 130km/h. The regular 2010 i10, powered by Hyundai's 1.2 litre Kappa engine, manages a 0-100km/h time of around 12 to 13 seconds.

Production of the BlueOn will initially be limited to a test fleet for 30 or so government departments and councils around Korea by October, with expanded production leading up to around 2500 units by the end of 2012.