Hyundai recently announced a new plug-in hybrid concept at the Seoul Motor Show. Called the Blue Will, this concept vehicle is powered by a 1.6-liter engine matched with a CVT transmission and 100kw electric motor. The lithium-ion polymer battery pack is stored near the fuel tank as to not impact cargo storage capacity. A panoramic roof integrates solar panels to help contribute power to the batteries.

The vehicle is made from recycled materials such as soft drink bottles for the headlamp bezels, and the interior parts and the engine cover are made from bio-degradable plant extract.

While the Blue Will is only a concept, the lithium-ion polymer battery will debut in the Elantra LPI hybrid, a liquid- petroleum powered car which goes on sale in Korea this summer. The next-generation Sonata, to be built in 2010, will be offered as a full hybrid using a hybrid drive system combines a 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission with a 30kW electric motor. It will use a lithium polymer battery, enabling cost, space, and weight savings over a traditional cell-based battery pack. 

--Liza Barth