# Supercharged Electric Car Concepts The Kia Optima T-Hybrid Offers High Performance & Fuel Economy By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-10-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optima-thybrid References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/kia-diesel-electric-supercharger-hybrid/34231/) & [press.kia](http://press.kia.com/eu/press/products/14_09_29_48) The [Kia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-kia-sportage-phev) Optima T-Hybrid concept is a vehicle that aims to showcase the Korean auto manufacturer's new [mild hybrid powertrain technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-vehicles1) before any future mass production. The vehicle was introduced at the [Paris Motor Show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milan-design-week-2025). The vehicle is equipped with a powertrain that brings together a 1.7-liter turbo diesel inline four-cylinder engine with a tiny electric motor, allowing for 168 horsepower alongside zero-emissions driving capability. The motor is powered by a special lead-carbon battery that, unlike regular lithium-ion batteries, does not require active cooling. The Optima T-Hybrid concept is still under development, but Kia says it will consider the powertrain for future models, meaning it is likely to make production in some form or the other. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mild Hybrid Powertrain Technology:** The Kia Optima T-Hybrid showcases the potential for combining a diesel engine with an electric motor in future vehicles, offering high performance and fuel economy. - **Lead-carbon Battery Technology:** The use of lead-carbon batteries in the Optima T-Hybrid demonstrates a new, low-cost, and efficient energy storage solution for electric vehicles. - **Zero-emissions Driving Capability:** The Optima T-Hybrid's ability to drive with zero emissions highlights the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles in the automotive industry. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Automakers can explore incorporating mild hybrid powertrain technology and lead-carbon battery technology to create more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. - **Energy Storage:** The development of lead-carbon batteries for electric vehicles opens up opportunities for innovation and growth in the energy storage industry. - **Transportation:** The rise in zero-emissions driving capabilities in vehicles like the Optima T-Hybrid creates possibilities for disruptive innovation in the transportation industry, such as shared electric vehicle services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Emissions-Reducing Hybrid SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-sportage-hybrid.md) - [Tough Tech-Packed PHEVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-kia-sportage-phev.md) - [High-Performance Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ioniq-5-n.md) - [High-End Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-ev9-gt.md) - [Compact Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev2.md) - [Quick-Charge Streamlined Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ioniq.md) - [Futuristic Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-turismo.md) - [Boxy Electric SUV Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-suv-concepts.md) - [Quick-Charge Electric CUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-inster.md)