Kia to show Optima T-Hybrid concept at Paris motor show

• Kia will showcase its new diesel-electric hybrid concept at the Paris motor show later this week.
• The mild hybrid concept, based on the Optima saloon and dubbed T-Hybrid, combines the Optima’s existing 134bhp 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine with a small electric motor. 

• The resulting concept can be driven by electric power only at low speeds and while cruising, with the model’s lead-carbon battery recharging via deceleration. Kia says it chose a lead-carbon battery over more conventional lithium-ion units because they require little cooling and can be easily recycled.
• Kia first previewed the technology at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, saying the system would be offered in both petrol and diesel-powered models “in the near future” to help lower CO2 emissions while also raising power.
• Other new features fitted to the concept include a new belt-driven starter generator, which replaces the conventional alternator and can start the Optima T-Hybrid concept with zero emissions, as well as “almost no noise or vibration”. A smaller vehicle battery and starter motor are also fitted.

• Power from the 1.7-litre CRDi engine is also said to be enhanced thanks to a new electric supercharger, which works alongside the existing turbocharger to improve peak output and torque. The electric supercharger particularly increases engine response at low speed, says Kia.
• Although Kia officials describe the Optima T-Hybrid as still being a concept vehicle, it’s extremely likey the technology will feature on the upcoming fourth-generation Optima, which has recently been spotted testing ahead of its planned launch late next year.
• Kia Europe boss Michael Cole said: “The new mild hybrid system is our flagship technology for improving the efficiency of our internal combustion-powered models. In future, technology such as this will help Kia further reduce fleet emissions in Europe.”