Kia confirms 48V flex-hybrid to debut on Sportage in Q4

Kia Motors will introduce its first 48V diesel hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018. The new "EcoDynamics+" powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing electrical acceleration from an optional 48-volt battery and extending the internal combustion engine's battery life, using EcoDynamics+ mild- hybrid offers an unrivaled cost/performance ratio compared to a full hybrid powertrain. The Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer the new EcoDynamics+ hybrid powertrain with a diesel engine later in 2018. The new generation of the third-generation Kia Ceed will be the second among a number of Kia models to offer the new drivetrain from 2019.First new powertrain launched as part of Kia's 2025 electrification strategy The 48-volt hybrid powertrain is the first new technology to be launched as part of Kia's broader powertrain electrification strategy. An EcoDynamics+ hydraulic transmission with diesel engine will allow Kia to offer cleaner diesel engines. EcoDynamics+ Technology with Diesel Hybrid Hybrid with Engine and Generator Modes Kia's flexible hybrid technology features a compact 0.46 kWh 48 volt lithium-ion battery and a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG). How EcoDynamics+ works on the road The powertrain is designed to provide more efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, using electrical energy supplied and regenerative. In "engine" mode, the battery is discharged under acceleration, providing additional torque to the engine for a small performance boost under hard acceleration or to reduce the load on the engine during light acceleration. The system is controlled by an advanced electronic control unit (ECU) that calculates the most efficient use of the available energy and adjusts accordingly, taking into account the amount of charge left in the vehicle's batteries. The battery can also be used to provide the new "Move stop and start" function. Compact packaging and integration into existing architecture The compact nature of the technology means that integrating the EcoDynamics+ hybrid system into an existing vehicle architecture is relatively easy. The 48V DC/DC converter allows the new battery to be connected to the vehicle's on-board power supply, resulting in a significant reduction in the size of the 12V battery needed to power the vehicle's auxiliary electronics. The Kia EcoDynamics+ diesel-powered hydraulic transmission is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions and can be adapted to front, rear and all-wheel drivetrain layouts. Kia will announce more detailed plans to roll out the new plug-in hybrid technology in the coming months.