How should an MHEV operate?

My Kia Sportage ('74 plate 1600 petrol GTLine MHEV) has a display option which shows when the 48v battery is charging but never indicates when the battery is supplying power to help acceleration. My previous Sportage MHEV always displayed help from the battery under acceleration. The local dealership doesn't know what the display should show and think the 48v battery only operates the ISG (ignition stop/go) system. Can you confirm that the mild hybrid system should help with acceleration, assuming there is sufficient charge in the 48v battery? I would appreciate any help before I confront the dealership again.

Asked on 7 May 2025 by charfrance

Answered by David Ross

Vehicles equipped with a mild hybrid drivetrain use electrical energy harvested during breaking to support the operation of the engine during acceleration. ISG stands for Integrated Starter Generator, a device which combines the roles of the starter motor and alternator allowing it to both harvest electrical energy and support acceleration. In most applications the ISG is designed to operate at engine speeds where the petrol motor is less efficient, so it provides more efficient acceleration rather than additional performance.

Tags: hybrid cars

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