New Hyundai Tucson: PHEV option gives 31-mile-plus EV range

Bold new-look SUV will be available with hybrid, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and conventional powertrains

The introduction of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option for the new, Mk4 Hyundai Tucson means the SUV will offer "the widest range of electrified powertrains in its class". 

The radically overhauled SUV - revealed earlier this year ahead of a market launch at the beginning of 2021 - is also available with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines and a 227bhp hybrid powertrain.

The new plug-in hybrid system uses a 177bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 90bhp electric motor for combined outputs of 261bhp and 258lb ft - matching the mechanically identical new Kia Sorento PHEV.  

Electric power comes from an underfloor 13.8kWh lithium ion polymer battery, which Hyundai claims offer more than 31 miles of zero-emissions running.

The car is equipped with a 7.2kW onboard charger, and while Hyundai has yet to confirm official charge times, charging from empty to full should take around two hours from a 7kW wallbox. 

Drive is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox, with the electric element taking over propulsion duties automatically at low speeds, or on demand via a driving mode selector. 

The four-wheel-drive system means the Tucson PHEV is equipped as standard with a Terrain Mode selector that varies power delivery to each axle according to driving conditions, optimising traction and stability. 

Save for the addition of a charging port, the Tucson PHEV will be largely identical to the conventionally fuelled car, both inside and out, though a price premium is to be expected to account for the added functionality. 

Customer deliveries of the plug-in car will begin in spring 2021, a few months after the standard Tucson. Full WLTP-certified CO2 and consumption data will be released nearer the time. 

*READ MORE*

*Hyundai Tucson 2020 UK review​*

*Kia details plug-in hybrid Sorento ahead of 2021 debut​*

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