Kia will put lead in the spotlight at the Battery Show in Novi, Detroit, this week with its 48V Optima Demonstration Vehicle.
The vehicle, which incorporates an advanced ultra-battery in combination with a belt-driven starter-generator and electric turbo-charger, was part of an Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) project conducted in combination with Hyundai/Kia and East Penn.
The Kia Optima uses an advanced 48V lead-carbon battery system with bolt-on electrical components that allow for engine downsizing with much lower CO2 emissions, without a resulting loss in performance.
Data from the ALABC has shown current mild-hybrid vehicle projects, in partnership with Ford and Hyundai/Kia, aim to reduce CO2 emissions by 15-20%.
According to the ALABC, the Kia Optima achieved a 16% reduction in CO2 emissions “along with significantly-improved acceleration performance in comparison with the base model”.
The ALABC said: “Kia have reported that they chose lead batteries over lithium-ion because they do not require active cooling and are much easier to recycle when the vehicle life is over. They have also shown to be a better performer in sub-zero temperatures.”
