Kia Launches Tri-Fuel Hybrid SUV

Why this is here: The Kia Sportage Tri-fuel can travel up to 650 kilometers on LPG alone, potentially reaching a combined 1,500 kilometers with gasoline and electric power.

Kia Italia, with Westport Fuel Systems Italia, now offers the Sportage Tri-fuel—a hybrid SUV that runs on gasoline, electric power, and LPG. The vehicle combines a 1.6L turbo engine with an electric motor and adds a 48-liter LPG tank to the standard hybrid system. This setup allows for a total range of roughly 1,500 kilometers, exceeding some diesel and recent plug-in hybrid models.

Filling the LPG tank currently costs about 40 euros. This offers a cost benefit as fuel prices rise across Europe, driven by geopolitical instability in Iran. Demand for electric and hybrid cars in Germany, Austria, and Italy has increased by around 40 percent.

The LPG system does reduce the available space in the trunk. While Kia emphasizes cost savings, the long-term viability of LPG as a fuel source remains tied to the volatile global energy market. The company continues to develop alternative fuel options, including hydrogen and biofuels.