Kia Working On Plug-In Hybrid Ceed, Sportage, Sorento

Kia is gearing up to increase its fleet of plug-in hybrid models in response to tightening CO2 emission regulations around the world.

Autocar reports that the South Korean car manufacturer will launch a plug-in hybrid variant of the latest-generation Ceed next year as part of its move to limit CO2 emissions. This vehicle will allegedly use the same powertrain as the Niro PHEV, meaning it’ll feature a 1.6-liter 139 hp petrol engine that’s paired with a 59 kW electric motor and 8.4 kWh battery pack.

According to Kia Europe’s marketing chief Artur Martins, this plug-in hybrid powertrain will be first used in the Ceed Sportswagon before potentially being rolled out to other Ceed bodystyles, such as the hatchback.

A plug-in hybrid Ceed isn’t all Kia has up its sleeve.

Once this vehicle is revealed, the carmaker will turn its attention towards the Sportage and Sorento, developing similar plug-in hybrid powertrains for the SUVs.

“We are going to need more electrification on other products in the future. We must get to a mix of around 25-30% electrified models to hit the CO2 targets,” Martins said.

Before any of this hybrid models arrive, Kia will unveil an all-new Soul EV at the LA Auto Show next month. This model will be the only available variant in the refreshed Soul family and should be sold with a choice of either a 34 kWh or 60 kWh battery just like the e-Niro. The larger of these two batteries will give the Soul EV a range of 300 miles (482 km).

Another all-new Kia in the works will be a hydrogen fuel-cell model. This model will act as the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Nexo and will probably take the shape of a tweaked Kia Sorento.