The Kia Sportage is getting a 48-V mild hybrid diesel powertrain.
Kia
The 48-V system of the Kia mild hybrid powertrain consists of a belt-integrated starter generator, a DC/DC converter for exchanging energy between the two on-board electrical systems (48 and 12 V), and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.46 kWh. According to Kia, in the new WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure), the 48-V system emits up to four percent less CO2.
The starter generator, which produces up to 10 kilowatts of electric power, provides additional torque during acceleration (boost), taking some of the strain off the diesel engine. In charging mode, energy is saved while braking, driving downhill and coasting. Kia is able to combine the mild hybrid system with both manual and automatic gearboxes, and with front, rear and all-wheel drive. In future, 48-V electrification will also be available with petrol engines.
The mild hybrid diesel kicks off in the Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is the first model to be equipped with the 48-V system, with the Kia cee'd following suit in 2019. By 2025, the Kia range will boast 16 electric models in all. These will consist of five hybrids, five plug-in hybrids and five battery electric vehicles, plus a new fuel cell vehicle, to be unveiled in 2020.