Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Sportage and Cee’d to get mild-hybrid tech

48V mild-hybrid tech heading for next-gen Kia Sportage and Cee’d in a bid to meet European emissions targets

Kia Sportage - Front Motion

Kia will introduce 48V mild-hybrid technology to its current Sportage and the next-generation Cee’d as part of a move to meet tougher European emissions targets, the company’s R&D boss has confirmed.

Speaking to Auto Express, Woong Chul Yang, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D division said: “For Europe there is demand for mild-hybrid 48-volt technology, so we are working on that for the Sportage and for medium sized SUVs, and we are working on that for the new Cee’d. This is to meet all those tough CO2 requirements.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best SUVs and 4x4s

Kia has also confirmed it will launch the Niro EV, a fully electric version of the Kia Niro later in 2018, with a quoted range of 238 miles. Yang said that though the Niro EV will come with a 64kWh battery, there is scope for it to feature a smaller battery.

“Having two battery outputs is something we are thinking about. Sometimes we put too much battery [capacity] into cars, we put heavier batteries that add weight. If people drive just 100 miles, then that kind of use doesn’t need big batteries. People who are short range driving all the time, it makes sense to have smaller batteries.”

Yang hinted that a 32kWh battery could be offered with the Niro EV. “This is a lot lighter so the range isn’t cut by two,” he said. “Because it’s lighter, the range will not reduce by half.”

The 32kWh battery could also make its way into a fully electric version of the Kia Stonic, according to the R&D boss: “A Stonic EV is being thought about. The Stonic has a very good fit for electrification.”

Yang confirmed the South Korean manufacturer has joined a long list of companies now working on solid state batteries: “Solid state is something we’re working on, an area all automotive companies are working on. But it is on the laboratory stage at the moment.

“Pretty much, the [current lithium-ion] battery technology is mature, and the next step, the next big leap is solid state.”

The news follows Kia’s announcement at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show to release 16 electrified cars by 2025, including five full EVs, five hybrids, five plug-in hybrids and it’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2020.

What do you make of Kia’s plans? Let us know in the comments!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia Tasman enters the fray against Ford Ranger in fast-growing pick-up class
Kia Tasman - front 3/4 standard

Kia Tasman enters the fray against Ford Ranger in fast-growing pick-up class

But there’s no plans to bring Kia's striking new workhorse over to the UK…
News
29 Oct 2024
Kia EV4 hatchback drops its camouflage and gets ready for the big reveal
Kia EV4 testing - front dynamic 3/4

Kia EV4 hatchback drops its camouflage and gets ready for the big reveal

The EV4 will be Kia’s all-electric family-sized hatchback
News
25 Oct 2024
Electric Kia Pride restomod promises hot hatch performance and thrills
Electric Kia Pride restomod - front static

Electric Kia Pride restomod promises hot hatch performance and thrills

Kia UK’s latest one-off turns first ever British model into an EV to celebrate special anniversary
News
7 Oct 2024
Bold new Kia PV5 MPV to rival Volkswagen ID.Buzz and target Uber drivers
Kia PV5 MPV - exclusive image (watermarked)

Bold new Kia PV5 MPV to rival Volkswagen ID.Buzz and target Uber drivers

Kia’s commercial-vehicle venture will spawn a series of electric passenger vans, and our exclusive image previews how the PV5 MPV could look
News
2 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

This is no sports car, nor even a retro reboot – rather a capable, refined and well-built EV that happens to sport a controversial name
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024
Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month
New Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front cornering

Car deal of the day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is all the car you’ll ever need for only £287 a month

A fun to drive family favourite offers immense value for money at under £300 per month in today’s deal of the day
News
29 Oct 2024
New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front

New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV

The first ever Dacia Duster Hybrid is a hit from behind the wheel, but better options exist in the small SUV’s range
Road tests
30 Oct 2024