What is a mild hybrid?

How does a mild hybrid car work?

A mild hybrid car works in a very similar way to a self-charging hybrid car, but it has a smaller battery. Because the battery is smaller, a mild hybrid cannot drive on battery power alone – unlike a self-charging hybrid in which the motor can take over at low speed or when cruising.

Instead, the petrol or diesel engine does the majority of the work and the electric motor is there to provide assistance. This means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, which means lower emissions and increased fuel economy. The battery is charged by recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted – when slowing down for example. There is no need to plug-in a mild hybrid, simply keep it topped up with petrol or diesel as you would with a conventional car.

What are the benefits of a mild hybrid car?

There are many substantial benefits to owning a mild hybrid car. Here are just few reasons to Stop Wondering. Start Driving.

Lower emissions

Because the electric motor can assist with acceleration, there is less strain on the engine. It also allows the engine to switch off more regularly – when coasting for example. This means lower emissions and cleaner air for everybody.

Reduced running cost

Using less fuel is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your finances, too! Improved fuel economy means less money spent on fuel, and less time wasted at the pumps. The lower emissions could also mean a reduced VED rate and lower BIK tax.

Relaxing drive

The assistance from the electric motor means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard and that makes for a quieter journey. The added torque also means effortless acceleration for a more relaxing driving experience.

Doesn’t require you to make any changes

If you aren’t quite ready to switch to a plug-in vehicle, mild-hybrid cars might be the solution for you. A mild-hybrid car doesn’t require you to do anything different than you would do in a conventional car. The car’s clever electronics take care of how the energy is recovered and used. All you have to worry about is keeping it topped up with petrol or diesel.

Lower initial cost

While a mild hybrid doesn’t offer the same level of benefits as a full self-charging hybrid, the mild hybrid’s smaller battery means the initial purchase cost is lower.

What is it like to drive a mild hybrid car?

Almost exactly the same as a conventional car. You will notice that the engine stops more often thanks to the assistance from the electric motor. Acceleration is more immediate thanks to the added torque from the electric motor, and fuel economy is improved.

Kia’s mild-hybrid cars

If you like the idea of a mild-hybrid car, keep a lookout for our look for Kia’s EcoDynamics+ models. Our EcoDynamics+ badge is given to cars that are fitted with Kia’s advanced mild-hybrid technology. EcoDynamics+ is currently available on Sportage, and will be added to other models in the near future.

Kia Sportage Mild hybrid

The New Sportage lineup now includes Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics+’ mild-hybrid powertrain options. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, extends engine ‘off time’ and can even help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4% on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

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