Kia's mission to lower the average CO2 emissions of its range by 25 percent before the end of the decade is given a boost with the launch of the company's first plug-in hybrid model, the Optima PHEV. With a range of up to 53km in all-electric mode, the Optima PHEV is able to complete many regular urban commuter runs with no tailpipe emissions.
The Optima PHEV combines a 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 67bhp electric motor powered by a 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack - the electric motor replaces the torque converter in the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. When working together, the combustion engine and motor generate 202bhp and 375Nm of torque.
The core feature of the hybrid system is the next generation 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which produces significantly more energy than that in previous Optima hybrids. Meanwhile, the simplicity of the hybrid system allows compact packaging of the petrol engine, electric motor and automatic transmission on the front axle, with minimal energy transfer and conversion losses.
This results in excellent performance and range - up to 53km of pure electric driving at speeds as high as 120km/h, and 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.1 seconds in hybrid mode. The switch between electric and hybrid driving is seamless, while the electric motor's 205Nm of torque from standstill ensures rapid acceleration and instantaneous response to the throttle pedal.
