Hyundai Touts Improved Hybrid Transmission Tech

Hyundai Motor Co. says it has developed new transmission control software that will enable faster and smoother shifts in hybrid-electric vehicles.

The carmaker will launch the technology, dubbed Active Shift Control (ASC), this autumn in the redesigned Sonata Hybrid (pictured). Other Hyundai and Kia models will add the system later.

Hybrid vehicles tend to be slower shifting than conventionally powered models because the torque converter has been eliminated to boost efficiency.

Hyundai’s new system uses sensors mounted within the electric motor to monitor the transmission’s rotational speed 500 times per second. This allows the hybrid control unit to synchronize transmission and engine speeds, according to the carmaker.

Hyundai claims ASC can reduce gear shift times by 30% from 500 milliseconds to 350 milliseconds. Other purported benefits include smoother gear changes and less friction, which can boost durability.

The 2020 Sonata Hybrid teams an electric motor with a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine generates 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque.