Hyundai Tucson hybrid concepts unveiled in Geneva

As Hyundai drops the cover on the new Tucson and ix20 as well as a slew of other models, the Korean automaker has also chosen to showcase a pair of hybrid concepts based on the Tucson crossover. Dubbed the Hyundai Tucson 48V Hybrid Concept and Tucson Plug-in-Hybrid Concept, the pair will serve as a preview to alternative propulsion methods that could see the light of day in production models in the future.

First off is the 48V Hybrid, which is based on the 2.0 litre diesel variant with 136 PS and a six-speed manual transmission. The concept features an electric motor that produces the equivalent of 14 PS, resulting in a combined power output of 150 PS and 413 Nm of torque.

The entire experimental system consists of a Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG), which, effectively, replaces the conventional starter with an electric motor. The setup is comprised of an inverter and a low voltage DC/DC converter. Designed specifically to fit larger vehicles, the system aids the diesel mill with extra power and allows for a restart of said engine with close to no noise or vibrations.

During deceleration, the HSG system doubles as a generator and works to recharge the 48-volt lithium-ion battery. All in all, the HSG setup adds only 20 kg to the overall weight of the entire vehicle.

Next up is the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Concept which is based on a variant with a 1.7 litre diesel engine and comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Coupled to a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, the combined power output of the concept is pegged at 183 PS while torque figures are capped off at 474 Nm.

On pure electric power, the concept is capable of travelling a distance in excess of 50 km while CO2 emissions are tagged at no more than 48 g/km. On the Plug-in Hybrid Concept, the electric motor is nestled at the rear of the car and powers only the rear wheels while the diesel engine sends it powers to the front axle.

As a result, this particular Tucson is capable of switching between a rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive mode depending on the situation at hand. The concept also features a four-mode drive selection system – Auto, Zero Emission Vehicle, 4WD and Sport mode.

The Auto mode is self-explanatory as the car will determine the most efficient algorithm while engaging Zero Emission Vehicle mode uses only pure electric power. In 4WD mode, both the engine and motor are brought online to power all four wheels while Sport mode exhausts both power sources to the maximum for a more spirited drive.

Hyundai Tucson 48V Hybrid Concept at Geneva 2015