kia hybrid KIA - 48V Diesel Mild-Hybrid Powertrain 2018

[G. David Felt]

KIA - 48V Diesel Mild-Hybrid Powertrain 2018

Kia announced this week their first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain that will start shipping in the second half of 2018. This system uses a new Starter-Generator system in their auto's that is designed to fit seamlessly into consumers lives with no plug-in recharging required.

The Kia Sportage is the first model to get this new diesel mild-hybrid powertrain shipping in the 2nd half of 2018 with the Kia Ceed getting the same powertrain in 2019.

Kia states this is the start of their 2025 electrification strategy that will find a total of 16 auto's all with advanced powertrains covering their lineup by 2025. This breaks down to five hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric auto's and one fuel cell electric auto.

Kia states this new hybrid powertrain is designed to fit into existing vehicle architecture, minimising the impact on their product portfolio.

Kia Press Release

[ccap41]

hybrid diesel? That thing ought to slaughter the MPGs. 

[Drew Dowdell]

It looks like they're still using the diesel for direct physical propulsion.

I've long maintained that the Volt should have used a diesel for its regenerator. Diesels are especially efficient hanging out at single steady RPM.... a task especially suitable for generating electricity to charge a battery or provide propulsion.  They could have done a little 1 liter turbo diesel and probably gotten MPG over 90 easily.