Kia Motors will offer its EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid technology in the second half of this year. It will be
available on its entire line-up. The new 48V powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by adding electric power
to acceleration from an additional 48V battery. The combustion engine’s ‘off time’ is extended using a
new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit. Since these items are compact, they can be fitted into existing
vehicle and powertrain architectures without affecting their practicality or packaging. The other bonus is
that it does not require plug-in recharging either.
The Kia Sportage will be the first car to get an EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain later in 2018,
followed by the third-generation Ceed in 2019. The production-spec SP concept SUV will go on sale in
India by mid-2019. Four more CKD models, produced in the company’s plant in Andhra Pradesh, will hit
the shelves in 2019. Kia intends to launch five new cars in India by 2021. The company is yet to confirm
whether Kia will bring this mild-hybrid tech to the market with its all-new models though.