Kia, Hyundai Announce Plan to Introduce Hybrids by 2018
Four new hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, and an electric car will join the Kia Soul EV in Kia and Hyundia’s green car lineup
Kia and Hyundai are joining together to take the green car segment by storm. While whispers continue to swirl concerning the two Korean carmakers’ efforts to expand wireless EV charging, sources are also revealing a bit of information about their plans to launch four hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, and an electric car in the United States by 2018.
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The carmakers’ first dedicated hybrid models will arrive in 2017, sporting unique, aerodynamic body styles. The hybrids have been spotted testing throughout the past year, wearing heavy camouflage to hide what they truly will look like. There have been reports, though, that the Kia hybrid will offer a hatchback style set to rival the Toyota Prius, while the Hyundai will be a sedan body, looking to go up against the Chevrolet Volt.
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These two hybrids will share a platform similar to that seen on the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte. The Kia model is even rumored to take after the Niro crossover concept, offering a similar level of luxury and eco-friendliness. Each of these hybrids will be powered with a direct-injected 1.6-liter gasoline engine, paired with an electric motor to give it the fuel efficiency of a hybrid.
Regardless of what Kia and Hyundai will offer with their new green car lineup, we’re sure it will be rather impressive.
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