The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020 will arrive with a sunroof system that would increase autonomy, after a year, by 1,300 kilometers.
After the release of the details on its new Active Shift Control, ASC technology for hybrid cars, Hyundai wanted to present the first model that equips this new gearbox. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020, that based on the latest generation of the Hyundai Sonata, the hybrid model features distinctive design features, including the cascade grille with cross holes and the rear wing integrated, harmoniously, with the taillights.
Aerodynamic-style alloy wheels are also exclusive to the Sonata Hybrid and are said to provide detailed and tuned aerodynamics.
Another visible change compared to conventional Hyundai Sonata models is the sunroof system that makes its debut at the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The system is capable of recharging the battery to increase autonomy while avoiding unnecessary battery discharge.
According to the brand itself, six hours of daily charge would give the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with a sunroof an additional autonomy of 1,300 kilometers each year.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020 also stands out for becoming the first model of the brand that equips the new technology called Active Shift Control, ASC. ASC can reduce the gear change time by 30%. It does this by applying a new control logic software to the hybrid control unit and the headlamp unit, HCU, which then controls the electric motor to align the motor and transmission rotation speeds.
The benefits cited by Hyundai include improved acceleration performance, fuel economy, and transmission durability, as the ASC minimizes friction during a gear change. Kyung Joon Chang, head of the Hyundai Motor Group, said, “the development of the world’s first ASC technology is a remarkable innovation. That incorporates precise engine control into the automatic transmission.” “It will not only save fuel but also provide a more fun driving experience for our customers.”
Conventional hybrid vehicles do not have torque converters to improve fuel economy further since torque converters lose energy during the transmission process. Although efficient in fuel consumption, this system also requires longer change times to ensure smoother gear changes.
ASC technology allows the hybrid electric motor to also control gear changes by applying new software. Logic to the hybrid control unit (HCU) to mitigate problems with the slowest shift time. The HCU controls the speed of rotation of the transmission with a sensor installed inside the electric motor at 500 times per second to quickly synchronize the rotation speed with that of the engine.
With synchronization, the change time is reduced by 30% from 500 ms to 350 ms. This result not only improves the acceleration performance and fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle but also the durability of the transmission by minimizing friction during a gear change.