► Kia’s new mild hybrid
► EcoDynamics+ system
► Arrives on Sportage late 2018
Kia has confirmed that a new 48v mild hybrid system will arrive for the brand’s diesel engines later in 2018.
The new EcoDynamics+ 48v system can be supplemented into Kia’s existing architecture, so the brand has confirmed that it will worm its way into the Sportage SUV later on in 2018, while the new Ceed will feature the tech from the beginning of 2019.
The diesel mild hybrid kit is extends the engine’s ‘off time’ when the start/stop system is engaged, reducing emissions further, and Kia says the MHEV tech reduces engine load, improving fuel economy. The brand claims a 4% fuel efficiency improvement under WLTP emissions regulations and 7% improvement under the NEDC figures.
The powertrain comprises a 48v battery squeezed into the boot floor, a DC/DC converter and an integrated starter motor and there are two different modes – ‘motor’ and ‘generator’. The ‘motor’ mode gives 10kW of electric oomph to the engine, reducing load, while the ‘generator’ mode recuperates energy from in-gear acceleration and braking.
EcoDynamics+ will just be available on Kia’s diesel-engined Sportage for now, but a petrol mild hybrid and expansion of the technology will arrive from 2019. Kia’s plans are to have 16 ‘advanced powertrain’ vehicles on the roads by 2025; five new hybrids, five new PHEVs and five new BEVs. A new hydrogen fuel cell car will also arrive in 2020.
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