The Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is an eco-electric model designed to provide improved fuel efficiency and an extended EV driving range. It combines a conventional gasoline internal combustion engine with a high-voltage battery and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. The high-voltage battery can be recharged through a charge port located on the front left fender for AC normal charging, and it also recharges automatically while driving through the engine and regenerative braking system.
Identification:
The Optima PHEV can be identified by an "Eco plug-in" logo on the trunk lid and the side of the vehicle. However, in the event of a crash, this logo may be hidden, so additional identification methods are crucial. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains a "D" in the 8th digit for PHEV models. The VIN can be found underneath the front passenger (or driver) seat and on the vehicle certification label attached to the driver's (or passenger) side center pillar. Under the hood, an "Eco Plug-in Hybrid" logo is displayed on the engine cover, and high-voltage cabling is orange, adhering to SAE standards. These orange cables run from the high-voltage battery to the Hybrid Power Control Unit (HPCU), motor, inverter, and other high-voltage components, serving as a key identifier for an electric vehicle. The instrument cluster also features specific indicators for PHEV models, and a charge status indicator, visible through the windshield, illuminates when the vehicle is plugged in and charging.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Max. Output: 67 HP (50 kW)
- Max. Torque: 151 lb-ft (205 Nm)
- Hybrid Power Control Unit (HPCU): Integrates an Inverter and Low Power DC-DC Converter (LDC).
- Inverter Input Voltage: 200 ~ 310 V
- LDC Max. Output: 2.4 HP (1.8 kW)
- High Voltage Battery: Lithium-Ion Polymer
- Rated Voltage: 360 V
- Capacity / Energy: 27.2 Ah / 9.8 kWh
- Cells: 96
- Power: 68 kW
- On-Board Charger (OBC): Converts external AC to DC to charge the high-voltage battery.
- 12V Auxiliary Battery: Located in the right-hand side of the trunk, powers standard electronic systems and the HPCU.
Usage Features:
- Charging Port: Located on the front left fender, for AC normal charging. Doors must be unlocked to open the port. To open in an emergency due to battery discharge, open the hood and pull the emergency cable.
- Engine Room: Contains the engine, Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG), and high-voltage components with orange cabling.
- Instrument Cluster: Displays specific PHEV features, including an "Energy Flow" indicator and charge status.
- Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG): Restarts the engine in HEV mode and charges the high-voltage battery while driving.
Emergency Procedures:
First responders should always assume an Optima is a PHEV until proven otherwise. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including high-voltage safety gloves and boots, is recommended, and all metallic jewelry should be removed.
- Immobilization:
- Chock the wheels.
- Set the parking brake.
- Shift the lever to Park ("P").
- If the "READY" lamp is illuminated, the vehicle can move silently using the electric motor. Approach from the sides.
- Disabling the System (Smart Key System and "POWER" START/STOP Button):
- Check the "READY" light on the instrument panel. If illuminated, the vehicle is on.
- To turn off, move the shift lever to Park ("P") and press the "POWER" button.
- With the brake pedal released, the "POWER" button LED indicates vehicle status: Off (vehicle off), Amber (electrical accessories operational), Reddish orange (warning lights can be checked).
- With the brake pedal depressed and shift lever in Park, the "POWER" button LED indicates: Off (vehicle off), Off (ready to drive after one press).
- Lower windows, unlock doors, and open the trunk if necessary before disconnecting the 12V battery.
- Move the Smart Key at least 2 meters away to prevent accidental restart.
- Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable in the trunk.
- Remove the safety plug:
- Remove the luggage cover board and side luggage foam.
- Remove the safety plug cover by loosening mounting bolts.
- Unfasten the hook in the direction of the arrow.
- Unfasten the lever.
- Remove the safety plug.
- Disabling the System (IG (Ignition) Fuse Removal):
- Open the hood and remove the engine room fuse box cover.
- If the "POWER" START/STOP button cannot disable the vehicle, pull Multi Fuse A and B along with the IG3 Relay from the engine room fuse box. If the IG Relay cannot be located, pull out all fuses and relays.
- Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable in the trunk.
- If these methods are unsuccessful, the vehicle is not secured from accidental airbag deployment or electric shock.
- Electrocution Risk:
- Never cut or disconnect orange high-voltage cabling or connectors without first disabling the system and removing the safety plug.
- Wait 5 minutes after disabling to allow capacitors to discharge.
- Do not touch exposed cables, wires, or electric components before disabling the system.
- Extraction Operations:
- Use standard stabilization (cribbing) points, avoiding high-voltage cables and fuel lines.
- Pay special attention to airbag systems, orange high-voltage cables, and other high-voltage components due to explosion or electrocution risks.
- NO-CUT ZONES: Areas highlighted in yellow must not be cut due to high voltage, gas inflators, and airbag hazards. Cutting these zones can result in death by explosion or electrocution.
- Ultra-High Strength Steel: Used in blue and red colored areas. May be challenging to cut, requiring workaround techniques.
- Vehicle Fire:
- Follow department procedures combined with PHEV-specific details.
- Lithium-ion Polymer batteries contain gel electrolyte that can vent, ignite, and produce sparks above 300°F.
- Fires may burn rapidly with a flare-burning effect and can re-ignite.
- Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high-voltage battery is completely cooled.
- Store compromised high-voltage batteries in an open area with no exposures within 50 feet.
- Burning batteries can release hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide gases. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full protective gear.
- Extinguishers: For small fires excluding the high-voltage battery, use an ABC extinguisher. If the high-voltage battery is involved, use large and sustained amounts of water to cool it.
- Submerged or Partially Submerged Vehicles:
- The vehicle's body or framework is safe to touch if there is no severe damage.
- Remove the vehicle from water and drain it before attempting to disable it.
- Do not attempt to remove the safety plug while the vehicle is in water.
- High Voltage Battery Damage and Fluid Leaks:
- If electrolyte leakage or damage to the Li-ion battery casing is observed, apply a large volume of water to neutralize the battery while wearing appropriate PPE.
- Cease all smoke, sparks, and flames around the vehicle.
- Electrolyte solution is a skin irritant; do not touch or step on spills.
- If a leak occurs, wear solvent-resistant PPE and use soil, sand, or a dry cloth to clean up. Ventilate the area.
- Electrolyte Irritation:
- Eye irritant: Rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
- Skin irritant: Wash off with soap.
- Liquid or fumes with water create vapors that may irritate skin and eyes: Rinse with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
- Fumes (inhaled) can cause respiratory irritation and acute intoxication: Inhale fresh air, wash mouth with water, and consult a doctor.
- Towing:
- The high-voltage system must be disabled by removing the safety plug.
- All wheels need to be lifted off the road.
- Recommended by an authorized Kia dealer or commercial tow-truck service.
- Use wheel dollies or a flatbed.
- Do not tow backward with front wheels on the ground, with sling-type equipment, or with front wheels on the ground (forward or backward) as this may cause fire or damage to the motor.
- Jump Starting:
- Do not attempt to jump start the high-voltage battery.
- If the 12V auxiliary battery is discharged, attach jumper cables or a starting device to the 12V battery in the trunk. Connect in numerical order and disconnect in reverse order.
Maintenance Features:
- The high-voltage battery is automatically recharged through the engine and regenerative braking system during driving.
- The 12V auxiliary battery is charged by the LDC, which converts high-voltage AC electricity to low-voltage DC.
Need help?
General
To Next Page