Kia confirms 48V lightweight hybrid to debut on Sportage in Q4

Kia Motors will introduce its first 48-volt diesel mild hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018. The new «EcoDynamics +» powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing acceleration with electrical energy from an optional 48-volt battery and extending the internal combustion engine's shutdown time, utilising In line with Kia's aim to create innovative vehicles that are affordable for a wide range of customers, EcoDynamics + mild hybrid technology provides attractive value for money compared to full hybrid powertrains. The Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer the new EcoDynamics + mild hybrid powertrain in 2018. The new third-generation Kia Ceed will be the second among a range of Kia models to offer the new powertrain from 2019.First new powertrain launched under Kia's 2025 electrification strategy The 48V mild hybrid powertrain is the first new technology to be launched as part of Kia's wider powertrain electrification strategy. The EcoDynamics + diesel powertrain for diesel engines will enable Kia to offer cleaner diesel engines. EcoDynamics + diesel mild-hybrid technology with engine and generator modesKia's mild hybrid technology features a compact 0.46 kWh, 48V lithium-ion battery pack and a new hybrid starter-generator (MHSG). How EcoDynamics + works on the roadThe powertrain has been designed to make internal combustion engines more efficient on the road by seamlessly delivering and recovering electricity.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 under light acceleration. The system is controlled by an advanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that calculates the most efficient use of available energy and adjusts accordingly for the amount of charge remaining in the vehicle's batteries.Battery power can also be used to provide the new «Move and Start» function. Compact packaging and integration into existing architectureThe compact nature of the technology means that integrating the EcoDynamics + moderate-hybrid system into existing vehicle architecture is relatively straightforward. The 48V DC-to-battery 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 required to power the vehicle's auxiliary electronics. The Kia EcoDynamics + diesel lightweight hybrid drivetrain is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions and can be adapted for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Kia will reveal more detailed plans for the rollout of its new mild hybrid technology in the coming months.