As the race to electrify the automotive industry heats up, carmakers have been fielding various types of hybrids to try and wean us into the new alternative power source. Case in point are the mild hybrids from manufacturers like Audi and Porsche. Now, it’s Kia Motors’ turn to unveil its EcoDynamics+ Mild Hybrid diesel technology.
Yes, you read that right. This system will first be unleashed together with a diesel motor. Specifically, it will launch in the second quarter of this year in the 2019 Kia Sportage, which will likewise get a minor facelift. Without getting too technical, the new Kia EcoDynamics+ Mild Hybrid system promises to provide more power and better fuel economy.
Sure, we’ve heard before, right? Well, Kia says it will utilize a 0.46 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery packed inside a compact unit that can be neatly integrated into most any existing automobile engine bay. The device that connects to the diesel motor’s crankshaft via the fan belt acts as both a Motor and Generator.
As a Motor, it is capable of supplementing acceleration by providing extra power thru a boost of electricity. This helps reduce the load on the engine especially during hard acceleration. It can then switch to Generator which allows it to harness power during in-gear deceleration and braking in order to charge the battery. This eliminates those tedious plug-in charging procedures. Plus, it helps re-capture otherwise wasted energy during coasting and braking.
Once fully charged, it can be used to power up the new Moving Start and Stop function that cuts off the diesel mill when the driver releases the accelerator to slow down, or when at a full stop. This, in turn, helps cut CO2 emissions and helps make this diesel lump a truly clean-burning one.
While this may sound like a concept that is waiting in the pipeline, Kia says that it will be used in their vehicles beginning with the Sportage later this year. It will then be put in place in other models as time progresses.
So as other manufacturers are slowly set to kill the diesel motor, Kia is making the most of what it has. Here’s hoping it makes its way to our shores real soon.
