Kia’s just-launched all-new Optima mid-size sedan will add hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains within the next 12 months.
Kia Optima hybrid will launch globally in the first half of next year boasting improved packaging and fuel consumption cut by 10 per-cent.
Power will come from 115kW/198Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and 38kW electric motor – the latter housed in the transmission with a clutch to replace the conventional torque converter and using a electric oil pump which reduces fuel consumption.
Combined output is 143kW at 6000rpm.
The 1.62kWh lithium-polymer battery pack is mounted under the boot which, unlike the current Kia Optima Hybrid, doesn’t intrude on cargo space and facilitates a 60:40 split-fold rear seat for load-carrying versatility.
The Kia Optima PHEV (plug-in hybrid) gains a 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack (six times the energy output of the previous generation) and 50kW electric motor which is 42 per-cent more powerful.
Also using the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine the electric motor boosts output to 151kW at 6000rpm but more importantly the new electronics allow for pure-electric range of 45kms and pre –electric driving at higher speeds.
The Kia Optima PHEV can re-charge in less than three hours.
Visual changes on the exterior and unique instrumentation will distinguish the Kia Optima Hybrid and PHEV from the regular versions.
Kia plans to roll-out the PHEV technology across other models as part of plan to reduce average corporate fuel efficiency by 25 per-cent by 2020.
