Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Unveiled In Detroit

Hyundai’s first-ever plug-in hybrid model has made its debut, unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.

The Korean carmaker has chosen the midsized Sonata sedan to house its debut PHEV technology, which follows in the footsteps of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid; unveiled in its home market last month.

The plug-in hybrid version boasts an electric-only range of 35km - which Hyundai says betters all others in the midsized PHEV sedan segment - thanks in part to its 9.8kWh lithium battery pack.

A full charge can be achieved in around 2.5 hours using a ‘Level Two’ charger, rising to five hours when a conventional outlet is used.

Power comes from a 115kW/190Nm 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a 50kW electric engine, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum combined output is 151kW.