Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea
Kia Forte LPI hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has just introduced its first mass production hybrid model based on the new Forte compact sedan in its home market of South Korea. The Forte LPI hybrid uses a smaller 20-hp version of the hybrid system that Hyundai showed at the LA Auto Show last November. That system uses a pancake motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for electric drive and boost as well as regenerative braking. A separate, integrated starter generator handles auto start-stop duties.
The Forte hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and is the first production vehicle to use a lithium polymer battery. The new battery was developed by LG Chem and will also be used in the Sonata Hybrid when it debuts next year. Along with the hybrid Forte, Kia rolled out new eco-Dynamics branding for its more efficient vehicles including hybrids.
While it's unlikely we'll ever see an LPG-equipped car from Kia in the U.S. market, it does seem likely that a Forte hybrid with a gas engine will arrive at some point. We've contacted Kia for comment on that but have yet to get a response. Thanks to Mike for the tip!
Update: Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak got back to us on US plans for the Forte hybrid. Unfortunately at this time there aren't any.
Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
[Source: Kia-World]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3PeaceSweet 2:45PM (3/24/2009)
The 'sandwich' motor IMA hybrid seems to be the industry leader.
Would a simple improvement be to add the same motors to the rear axle or wheels and increase the all electric performance? 4 wheel drive, all wheel regen braking and perfect to add extra battery capacity as they get mass produced, or sell them with 5, 10 or 30 miles all electric range for extra cost.
Since your using the same motors the costs should be minimal, and you could retrofit the system to existing non hybrid cars.
Reply
Herm 3:30PM (3/24/2009)
4 motors + 4 controllers is exactly 4 times what kia is spending now.. but the in-wheel motors are promising. Eventually they will be mass produced with the power control electronics built in to them.. all you will need is to connect the computer to it and the two power cables.
They will replace limited slip differentials, complicated 4wd transmissions, u-joints and so on... another big market is the easy conversion of RWD pickup trucks to electric by using two motors in the front wheels.. massive oil savings there.
MJC 8:09PM (3/24/2009)
In-wheel motors also create significant problems, the greatest of which may be much higher unsprung weight. While they may work ok, few people will drive a vehicle that rides and handles much worse than the cars they are replacing. Sure, active and semi-active suspensions may mitigate these problem, that only increases vehicle cost overall...
Reply