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Ultimately, we are seeking to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and that
starts with making engines more efficient. Our new SmartStream 1.6-litre
diesel engine goes beyond the requirements of all known future emissions
standards, and features innovations and technologies to reduce friction in the
engine, improve the thermal efficiency of combustion, and reduce harmful
emissions from the tailpipe.
‹F.›: In May 2018, Kia unveiled the upgraded Sportage with a diesel mildhybrid
powertrain. What are the advantages of mild-hybrids and do
you think they can be a competitive alternative to EVs?
‹Herrera›: There are many advantages to mild-hybrid powertrains, particularly
in terms of cost and engineering. While sales of electric cars are forecasted
to grow, they still aren’t suitable for everyone, particularly drivers
who may not have a convenient place to charge a car. The compact nature
of components in Kia’s EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid powertrain means the
technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures
without impacting practicality, or requiring expensive re-engineering
of a platform. The system can also be adapted for gasoline or diesel engines,
as well as front, rear or all-wheel drive systems.
Kia’s mild-hybrid powertrain fits seamlessly into consumers’ lives, with
no plug-in recharging required. The technology enables us to offer cleaner
gasoline and diesel engines to customers who still rely on internal combustion
engines. In the Sportage, for instance, emissions are reduced by up to
4 % on the new WLTP emissions testing standard. The lower costs of the
components and engineering mean there is also a lower barrier to ownership
for buyers, certainly compared to electric and fully hybrid vehicles,
which unfortunately remain cost-prohibitive to many drivers.
‹F.›: The 48 V diesel mild-hybrid unit is the first to be launched as part
of Kia’s global powertrain electrification strategy. Can you tell us a bit
more about this strategy?
6 DECEMBER 2018
‹Herrera›: The 48 V mild-hybrid
powertrain forms a key part of Kia’s
plans to offer a comprehensive range
of advanced powertrain vehicles
by 2025. It’s only available on the
new Kia Sportage now, but will be
rolled-out across other model lines
in future. This includes the new Kia
Ceed, now in its third generation, a
car designed, developed, engineered
and built in Europe which strengthens
Kia’s presence in the European
C-segment.
‹F.›: Kia has announced a new fuel
cell vehicle for 2020. Which one
do you think has more potential,
fuel cell vehicles or battery electric
vehicles? What are the major challenges
for both?
‹Herrera›: We don’t believe there is
any ‘silver bullet’ that can solve every
environmental problem facing
the auto industry. At present, hydrogen
fuel cell technology is expensive
and the infrastructure is only in its
infancy in certain markets. We expect
this state of affairs to remain for
some time. However, hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles – combined with an adequate
refueling infrastructure – do
offer greater range capability than
Kia’s EcoDynamics+
mild-hybrid powertrain
system can be adapted
for gasoline or diesel
engines, as well as front,
rear, or all-wheel drive
systems.
In May 2018,
Kia unveiled
the upgraded
Sportage with a
diesel mild-hybrid
powertrain.