When you say LPG, you think of why you have an easier time cooking day in and day out. I wouldn’t surprised if you don’t mention LPG in the same sentence as driving. However, the continuous search for viable alternative energy has really forced automakers to look for other fuel sources save from gasoline and this is how LPG becomes part of the equation.

The truth is, more and more major names are going to alternative source of energy these days. This time around, it was Hyundai who made a buzz by introducing a propane-powered car called the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI. As the name implies, this car uses electric power and LPG or liquid power gas to power its motor. This car completely abandons the use of gasoline, which 30 years ago, was unthinkable. Using electricity and LPG, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI release no exhaust gases, while letting you save on gasoline bills at the same time. Unlike other hybrid cars out there, this one looks like any other car and the one thing that separates it from the rest is what it does under the hood.

Unknown to many people propane is a very popular source of fuel in many countries. Still, some places such as the United States have to catch up on this latest development. Basically, the Avante/Elantra LPI uses lithium-polymer batteries in order to power its 1.6-liter, four-cylinder Gamma engine. The best part is, Hyundai claims that this car will have the lowest operating cost of all hybrid cars out there. That says a lot about how efficient the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI would be. Although you don’t expect it to be as fast as a race car, it’s perfect for city driving and even for long, out-of-town trips. Most hybrid cars are not as sturdy as this Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI.

Based on various studies, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI could be 40 percent cheaper to operate than other hybrid cars. If you’re still not impressed, it is 50 percent better than gasoline-powered cars out there. When it comes to emissions, you can expect it to emit as low as 103 grams for every kilometer being traveled. In addition to that, it will release 90 percent fewer tail pipe emissions, compared to your average car. These numbers only tell you one thing: the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI takes its hybrid name pretty seriously.

Basically, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI’s lithium-polymer battery is manufactured in Korea. This kind of battery uses a solid polymer composite, rather than an organic solvent. Because of this configuration, the car will have a higher energy density, lower production costs, and longer lifespan for the entire battery assemblies. What’s even better is that these lithium-polymer batteries are tougher and that means they will not deteriorate as fast.

Hyundai has recently announced that it will start selling the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI in July of 2009. The company plans to prioritize selling this car to countries that already have well-established infrastructures. However, it will be understandable if the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI costs more. That’s because it has additional components such as the batteries, electric motor, and various electric components that should make everything tick. Then again, the additional cost can be easily recovered because of the lower fuel and maintenance costs. You don’t spend as much when you use propane right? That’s one good reason of buying this one over other hybrid cars.

Overall, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI is a solid choice for a first-time buyer of a hybrid car. It’s easy to drive and it will never make your head ache with all the necessary components that you need to buy. Just make sure that there’s enough infrastructure that you can use when it comes to refueling and recharging.

Related posts:

1. Five Things You Should Know When Buying Hybrid Cars
2. Things You Don’t Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries
3. The Affordable Hybrid
4. The Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid
5. A look at the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid

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