Kia to globally launch new diesel 48V mild-hybrid powertrain

The Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer this new technology later in 2018.

Kia Motors Global will introduce its first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018. The new powertrain, called EcoDynamics+, reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing acceleration with electric power from an additional 48V battery and extending combustion engine off time using a new mild-hybrid starter-generator unit.

By electronically controlling the mild-hybrid starter-generator using the inverter, the system switches between two modes - Motor and Generator. Connected by a belt to the diesel engine’s crankshaft, under acceleration the generator provides up to 10kW of electric power assistance to the powertrain in Motor mode, reducing engine load and emissions. In Generator mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during in-gear deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.

Kia claims that the compact nature of the EcoDynamics+ means the technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures without impacting practicality or packaging. The system is paired with Kia’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 4 per cent on WLTP.

Kia’s EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions, and could be adapted for front-, rear- and all-wheel drivetrain layouts. The powertrain will also be adapted for use in petrol engines in future.

Kia Motors will officially start its Indian operations in 2019 with production version of the SP Concept which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. We’re not sure if this new technology will make it to Kia’s Indian portfolio. But given the fact Maruti Suzuki offers mild-hybrid tech on some of its cars, Kia might consider bringing its own.