Hyundai set to take on the Prius in 2012

Hyundai will launch its first hybrid later this year, or in early 2011 and that hybrid will be followed be a dedicated hybrid in 2012, and a plug-in hybrid in 2013.

The Hyundai Sonata hybrid coming soon

A dedicated approach to hybrids

Later this year Hyundai will begin rolling out its first hybrid vehicle, the Sonata hybrid, but that should be just the beginning of Hyundai’s hybrid story.

By 2012, Hyundai will also add a new dedicated hybrid to its portfolio, followed by a plug-in hybrid in 2013.

Following in the footsteps of the Toyota Prius, Hyundai’s new hybrid will only be available as a hybrid, or eventually a plug-in hybrid, reports InsideLine. Other than its dedicated hybrid status, however, Hyundai is confirming little, although the automaker has shown off a number of hybrid and plug-in hybrid concepts at various auto shows.

Regardless, both the Sonata hybrid and the new dedicated hybrid will utilize lithium-polymer battery packs to electrify their hybrid powertrains. Consequently, it should be interesting to follow the evolution of Hyundai’s hybrid pricing. Certainly, one wouldn’t expect overly aggressive pricing with the launch of the hybrid Sonata to start, as Hyundai will probably be happy to simply be price-competitive with both the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid, particularly since the Korean automaker will be utilizing lithium ahead of the pack.

However, with the launch of Hyundai’s dedicated hybrid, one would assume Prius-like sales have to be on Hyundai’s radar, and that makes Hyundai’s lithium-polymer battery technology noteworthy. According to some battery experts, lithium-polymer technologies might enable quicker gains in lithium cost-effectiveness thanks to cleaner manufacturing capabilities. While Toyota currently has a hybrid advantage, thanks to its NiMH supply chains, a move to lithium is expected, and since Hyundai might beat Toyota to lithium, it could provide some advantage.

Nevertheless, finally, it seems some real pricing competition is ramping up for the hybrid car segment, especially if Ford also follows its plans to offer a new, lithium-powered dedicated hybrid in 2012.