South Korean manufacturer Kia is to introduce a diesel-hybrid powertrain to its vehicle line-up to help ‘reduce CO2 emissions’.
The new EcoDynamics+ setup offers mild-hybrid technology with a 48V electrical system that supplements the diesel engine – taking over during acceleration and extending the engine’s ‘off time’ with a starter generator.
With the ‘Moving Stop & Start’ function, the engine can be switched off to reduce engine usage and emissions, but as soon as the accelerator is pressed it restarts.
Thanks to the setup’s compact design, Kia don’t have to redesign many of its current models to accommodate the system – and the first of those will be the Sportage SUV, which will get the powertrain by the end of this year.
With the latest version of the Ceed hatchback also using the powertrain from 2019, this is the start of Kia’s plan to offer 16 electrified vehicles by 2025 – with five hybrids, five plug-ins, five all-electric models and a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in 2020.
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Kia is also set to introduce a petrol version of the powertrain with the same mild-hybrid setup, although the release date is yet to be revealed.
Details for the Sportage model will be released in due course and it will be on sale towards the end of 2018.
