Kia is revealing the new Kia Optima ‘mild hybrid’ show car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show this Thursday – the first application and demonstration of the brand’s new powertrain.
The turbo-hybrid concept is powered by the model’s existing 1.7L CRDi turbo-diesel engine, paired with a small electric motor, powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery. The diesel-electric powertrain concept enables the Optima T-Hybrid show car to be driven in electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising, with deceleration serving to recharge the battery pack.
Lead-carbon batteries were chosen for the mild hybrid powertrain as, unlike lithium-ion batteries, they require no active cooling and are easier to recycle at the end of the unit’s lifecycle.
The vehicle also features a zero-emissions stop-start system and a new belt-driven starter generator replaces the conventional alternator, meaning the engine can restart with almost no noise or vibration.
The system also allows the installation of an electric supercharger for the CRDi engine, in addition to the conventional turbocharger, providing improved power and torque at all engine speeds.
Still under development, no specific performance or fuel economy figures are confirmed for the powertrain or its application in the Optima T-Hybrid show car. However, Kia’s engineers are targeting a significant reduction in CO2 tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption and a power increase of between 15 to 20% for any model which could be equipped with the new powertrain.
Currently, the Optima’s 100kW 1.7-litre engine produces CO2 emissions of 128 g/km (when fitted with ISG stop-start).
“Demonstrated for the first time in the Optima T-Hybrid, the technology will lower the total cost of ownership of our cars, yet still keep them affordable as an outright purchase for customers,” says Michael Cole, chief operating officer, Kia Motors Europe.
While under development, no plans have been confirmed yet for mass production of the turbo-hybrid. The powertrain remains under consideration for new Kia models in the future.
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