For the American market the hybrid minivan is still elusive. But there is hope. Hyundai presented their newest model at the Paris Auto show. This Korean manufacturer presented the world with a hybrid minivan named the Santa Fe. It will be available in Korea the summer of 2009 with possible expansion to America later in the year.

For those of us that think Green, this little hybrid minivan only produces just over ½ lb of CO2 emissions per mile driven. Reports have the fuel mileage being between 38 and 44 mpg.

This entire savings comes from a 2.4 L conventional engine joined with a 40 horsepower electric motor. The electric motor is capable of 151 pounds of torque. This power train is managed by a six speed automatic transmission with an additional 30 kW electric motor.

Since this is a new hybrid vehicle, the engineers developed it with the latest technology available. This includes the best battery system now in use. The new 270V lithium polymer batteries have an increase in density, which helps them hold a charge longer than the conventional nickel-lead batteries.

To help with the fuel efficiency friction was reduced in all areas of the drive train and cooling system. In addition, just like the GM 2-mode hybrid system, when the car is at idle, only the electric motor is running. The conventional engine is switched off to conserve fuel.

The Santa Fe’s all new features and drive train are packaged in the same body and frame as its conventional counterpart. This can only mean all of the increases in fuel mileage and improvements were engineered into the new systems.

So look for the first hybrid minivan in the American market in late 2009.

The definition of electric hybrid vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle is that this vehicle has combined conventional propulsion with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). The RESS has to be capable of improving its fuel economy over that of a conventional vehicle.

Unlike the first hybrid vehicles to come out to the market, today’s version does not just rely on a conventional engine and electric batteries. With advances modern technology, the kinetic energy from the braking system is now converted to electricity. In addition many use the electric motors during idling time to reduce not only fuel consumption but also emissions.

Most hybrid vehicles have a smaller displacement conventional engine than their non-hybrid counterparts. This in itself increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

What most people do not realize is that the hybrid vehicle has been around for over 100 years. Ferdinand Porsche produced the first hybrid in 1901. He utilized a gasoline engine to power electric motors mounted on the wheels.

In 1915 Woods Motor Vehicle had a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine along with an electric motor that used both for propulsion of the vehicle. This vehicle ran on pure electric power until reaching a speed of 15 mph when the main engine would engage propelling the vehicle to an amazing 35 mph for that time.

Erich Gaichen made the most amazing hybrid vehicle in 1931. This hybrid car combined an electric motor and compressed air powered motor to propel and recharge the battery.  The battery was recharged by the electric motor when the vehicle was traveling down an incline.  A compressed air cylinder could also charge the battery if no incline was within reach at the needed recharging point of the battery. The vehicles vibrations also activated several small air pumps that recharged the air cylinder itself.

It is true that the modern era of the hybrid did start in the 1960’s by Victor Wouk. But the true reach into history of the electric hybrid vehicle starts back in 1901.