The Kia Optima T-Hybrid (turbo hybrid) concept is powered by the model's existing 1.7-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine paired with a small electric motor, powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery.
The diesel-electric concept, previewed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Optima T-Hybrid show car to be driven in 'electric-only mode' at low speeds, with deceleration serving to recharge the battery pack.
MORE POWER, LESS EMISSIONS
Kia expect a 20% increase in power as well as decrease in CO2 emissions for its Optima T-Hybrid compared the current diesel-powered variant. No figures have been released as the engine is still being development.
VIDEO: Kia Optima T-Hybrid - how it works
The engine allows Kia to fit an electric supercharger to the diesel motor, helping to boost engine response at lower speeds. Why lead-carbon batteries as opposed to more popular lithium-ion versions? Kia claims its batteries don't require "active cooling and are easier to recycle".
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