Kia has already shown a willingness to add to its ever-growing line of eco-friendly vehicles.
Well, consider the automaker's 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) as eco-friendlier.
Joining the 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) and 2017 Optima Hybrid (HEV), the Optima Plug-In Hybrid touts an estimated 600 miles of total driving range and what the automaker refers to as the PHEV's next-generation battery system, featuring a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, generating about 60 percent more energy than the battery pack in Optima's hybrid system. It's currently on display at the Chicago Auto Show.
The system is estimated to give drivers 27 miles in full electric-vehicle mode — something that Kia says makes it a leader in the all-electric range class.
"As part of our bold initiative to increase fuel efficiency by 25 percent across the entire Kia model line-up by 2020, a plug-in hybrid was a critical addition to our offering. The Optima HEV adds hybrid efficiency to the standout styling and vehicle dynamics of our all-new Optima, and the PHEV takes things one step further with all-electric range that is among the best in the segment," said Orth Hedrick, Kia's vice president of product planning, in a company press release statement late last week. "All three of the vehicles being introduced here at the Chicago Auto Show are emblematic of Kia's commitment to sustainability and our philosophy that you shouldn't have to accept compromises when making a green choice."
The 2017 Optima PHEV also features Kia's 2.0-liter "Nu" four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and a transmission-mounted 50 kW motor, which the automaker claims is 42 percent more powerful than that of previous Optima Hybrids, spelling a greater all-electric output.
Kia also promises a more seamless transition from electric to gasoline to hybrid modes with its latest Optima PHEV model.
The latest Optima offering also includes driver-assistance features such as Blind Spot Detection, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, a Lane Departure Warning System and Front Collision Warning System, while supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay infotainment centers like the K900 luxury sedan and Soul EV before it.
An accompanying app for the vehicle will also allow drivers to start and stop the car remotely, lock/unlock remotely, precondition the cabin's temperature and enable drivers to receive speed alerts and activate Geofence settings.
Kia is definitely revving up at the Chicago Auto Show thus far.
