Announced at the Detroit Auto Show, the additional cover is added to the Hyundai Assurance package in the United States, and applies to all 2012 model year Sonata Hybrid, with the manufacturer replacing the battery and paying recycling costs for the old unit at no cost to the owner.

Hyundai said it had tested the Sonata Hybrid’s battery pack over more than 300,000 miles without seeing any decrease in range or power output. The additional warranty could lead to other manufacturers offering similar schemes, which would in turn benefit residual values by offsetting some doubts about the longevity of the batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Michael O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at Hyundai, said: ‘Expanding Hyundai Assurance to include Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee was another opportunity for us to demonstrate our confidence in the durability of our product, and pass that peace of mind on to our owners.'