Kia has announced plans to unveil the Optima T-Hybrid Concept car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show next month, which it says is the first application and demonstration of its new mild hybrid powertrain.
Kia has announced plans to unveil the Optima T-Hybrid Concept car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show next month, which it says is the first application and demonstration of its new mild hybrid powertrain.
Unlike most hybrids that use a gas engine and an electric motor, the Optima T-Hybrid is powered by a diesel engine that is mated to an electric motor. Here Kia’s 1.7-liter CRDi turbo-diesel engine is paired with a small electric motor and a 48V lead-carbon battery.
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Kia says that the electric motor adds 20 percent more power, while at the same time the powertrain emits 20 percent less harmful emissions. The battery is also powerful enough to allow for electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising.
Kia will likely reveal more details next month.
Source: Kia
