AUTONEWS

KIA SPORTAGE TO ADOPT A MILD-HYBRID DIESEL ENGINE

KIA will debut its first mild-hybrid 48V diesel engine in the second half of this year. Named EcoDynamics +, this new technology will have its launch in Sportage, and then in the new generation Ceed, differentiating itself by the greater efficiency in reducing CO2 emissions.The 48V mild-hybrid combines an electric motor with a conventional diesel unit, in a system in which the first aid in acceleration and ensures the locomotion in several phases of the driving, allowing to turn more time with the diesel engine off. By adopting 48V technology (the highest standard in today's automotive industry), this mild-hybrid offers sensible gains in reducing emissions.The group now preparing to join the Sportage line, and in 2019 in the new Ceed range, is part of KIA's global strategy on the way to electrification. The introduction of this new engine means that KIA becomes the first manufacturer to offer a line with hybrid options, hybrid plug-in, electric and now 48V technology. KIA plans to launch 16 new advanced powertrains by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five electric, and by 2020 a new fuel-cell powered car.EcoDynamics + diesel mild-hybrid will allow the Korean brand to offer a whole line of cleaner diesel engines. To enhance environmental efficiency, this technology is coupled with KIA's Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), an active exhaust control system, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 4% in the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and by up to 7% in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).KIA's mild-hybrid technology adopts a compact 0.46 kWh engine, a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG). This 'heart' of the system is controlled electronically, according to the needs of the use: the MHSG can both perform 'motor' and 'generator' functions. Attached by a belt to the diesel engine crankshaft, the MHSG can deliver up to 10 kW of electric power to the electric motor, which will help the diesel engine in accelerated situations. As the electric motor is a 'zero emission', this power aid to the diesel unit results in reduced exhaust emissions. On the other hand, in 'generator' mode the system collects kinetic energy during deceleration and braking, converting it into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
The battery charge can also be used to activate a new function, called Moving Stop & Start. This is a new concept applied to Stop & Start that already exists in most conventional motor vehicles: in this case, if the battery is sufficiently charged, the diesel engine automatically shuts off in deceleration or braking situations. The MHSG will take care of restarting it - in any situation - as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
The compact nature of this technology means that the mild-hybrid EcoDynamics + system can be seamlessly integrated into any vehicle in the existing line. Depending on the model, the 48V battery can be housed under the trunk floor, minimizing the impact on the architecture and vehicle space. On the other hand, since the MHSG integrates directly with the propeller, through the belt attached to the crankshaft, there is no need for major adaptations in the engine compartment.The EcoDynamics + diesel mild-hybrid is compatible with manual or automatic transmissions as well as with all traction systems (front, rear or integral). The brand will still fit it for gasoline engines.KIA will announce more details about the launch of its new mild-hybrid technology in the coming months.

Obs.:With the collaboration of the ''mundoquatrorodas''