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Originally, the Kia Rio
hybrid was set to launch in late 2006; however, due to currency
issues, Hyundai has pushed back the development of their
hybrid cars until 2009 - at the earliest. Unfortunately,
it is not known whether the first production will only
be sold in Korea, or in other markets as well.
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Not long
ago, Hyundai announced that the Kia Rio hybrid would be
a mild hybrid - it will not be able to run on
electricity at low speeds - but the hybrid should still
achieve fuel economy of 42 mpg.
At this
point in time, Hyundai is planning to combine a
90-horsepower 1.4 liter, 4 cylinder gas engine with a 16
hp electric motor.
With an
electric motor in between the flywheel and the gearbox,
the Rio hybrid will still use regenerative breaking to
recharge its power pack. During highway driving, the
electric motor will not assist the gasoline engine,
except during acceleration. The electric motor will also
assist the Rio hybrid's gasoline engine during starting
and hill climbing.
The Kia
hybrid will also be the first Kia to utilize a
continuously variable transmission, and it will also
incorporate a number of lightweight components which
help the Rio hybrid achieve higher levels of fuel
efficiency.
The first
batch of these Kia Rio hybrids is to be built for
the South Korean government as part of a test fleet.
Hyundai
hybrids will be built on proprietary hybrid technology,
unlike the Ford Escape or Nissan Altima hybrids, which
are built with licensed Toyota hybrid technology.
Nonetheless, because the first generation of Hyundai
hybrids will be mild hybrids, one must assume a full
hybrid powertrain will eventually replace this mild
hybrid powertrain - probably once lithium-ion batteries
achieve market standardization.
At this
point, don't hold your breath if you are waiting for the
Kia Rio hybrid.
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More KIA Rio hybrid news
- Kia
to bring hybrid soul to Paris
- LG
Chem to supply lithium batteries to Hyundai / Kia
- Kia
Rio debuts at Geneva Auto Show
- Kia,
Hyundai hybrid vehicles: Not any time soon
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