ECO-Friendly Car Lifecycle Management

ECO-Friendly Car Lifecycle Management

We always ensure that all the phases of car production, from design and assembly to distribution and disposal, can contribute to making humanity happier and, at the same time, protecting the Earth.

LCA for Carbon Emission Analysis and Reduction in Entire Vehicle Process

Kia strives to achieve zero carbon emissions during the vehicle operation stage through the introduction of EVs. However, the carbon emissions of automobiles should take into account not only the direct emissions that arise during the operation stage, but also the indirect emissions that emerge throughout the entire process, from raw material extraction, component fabrication, vehicle assembly, energy source production, maintenance, disposal, and transportation between each stage. We are performing a life cycle assessment (LCA) to appraise and measure the environmental impact in a holistic manner. Through the outcomes of the life cycle assessment, we examine the influence of each stage, determine the enhancement priorities, and devise a carbon reduction strategy. Starting with the EV9, we are conducting assessments for all new models from 2023.

For LCA methodology, We apply the CML methodology in conducting life cycle assessments on various environmental impact categories; global warming (GWP), abiotic depletion (ADP), acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP), ozone depletion (ODP), and photochemical oxidant creation (POCP). In 2022, we performed complete LCAs on Kia models that constituted 5.75% of all Kia models in comparison with the sales volume. The cumulative LCA ratio so far in the first half of 2023 is about 28%. (Calculation methodology : total sales volume of representative model of LCA conducted vehicles compared to the number of total global sales)

Design for environment

Kia eagers to advance the recyclability of countless components consisting our eco-friendly vehicles. We are using the Green Design System and the Chemical Management System to reduce hazardous substance discharge.

Green car production system

Design for Environment (DfE)

(DfE: Design for Environment)

Design for Recycling Optimizing System

(DORISY: Design for Recycling Optimizing System)

Hazardous Substance Management System

1. Partner Chemical substance analysis
2. Date entry
3. IMDS* Substance data collection, heavy metal content check
4. Download
5. MAMS** Substance data accumulation Chemical substance search Filtering by statistical law
   • Response to environmental regulations
   • Environmental assessment
   • Eco-friendly product development

* IMDS: International Material Data System
** MAMS: Material Analysis & Management System

Clean Production Flow

To build an efficient production system and increase production volume, Kia seeks to reduce the input of energy and natural resources during the manufacturing process, as well as the output of waste materials, greenhouse gases, and environmental pollutants.

Input

Water resources

6,755,826㎥

Raw materials

214,902 t

Harzardous chemicals

0 t

Energy

14,900 TJ

Substances subject to investigation of chemical emissions

49,102 t

Outcome

Press

Body

Painting

Assembly

Number of vehicles produced
1,223,108 vehicles

Output

Soil

Total Soil Waste discharge (210,523 t)
Landfill (1,332 t)

Air

Air GHG Emissions (731,000 tCO₂eq)
Air Pollutant Emissions (215.4 t)
VOCs (6,628.2 t)
TRI (49,102 t)

Water

Total discharge of water bodies (4,894,039㎥)
Discharge of water pollutants (120 t)

Recycle

Amount of recycled waste: 197,547 t

* TRI: Toxics Release Inventory

Smart Logistics System

Kia has a dedicated system for improving the logistics system in our supply chain, including components procurement, production, and sales regularly. As a result, we are saving social costs and energy while reducing CO₂ emissions.

Logistics Collabotation System

• Logistics Collabotation System - info on status of production lines and parts used
• Integrated Distributed Center for Parts Suppliers - Real-time management of parts delivery and delivery vehicles
• Parts warehouse - Maintain optimal inventory level
  (less warehouse space needed)
• Kia Production Line
• Production Management Department - Automated transmission of data on parts used In each production process

Resource Regeneration

After signing the ‘Voluntary Agreement for Resource Circulation System Advancement of Waste Vehicles’ with the Korean Ministry of Environment in 2021, Kia has established and is operating a recycling system for resource circulation that recycles waste resources for new vehicle manufacturing. We are continuously improving the recycling rate in the process of scrapping vehicles by providing vehicle dismantling manuals to scrap vehicle companies and supporting recycling treatment costs, and we plant to achieve the legal recycling rate of 95% by 2024.

Major models* Average recyclability rate : 90.4% (recoverable rate 96.8%)

* Pride, Stonic, Bongo 3 representative models and the figure applies for year 2019, 2020, 2021,2022.

Improving Fuel/Energy ecocnomy and battery efficiency

Enhancing the Public Confidence in Fuel Economy Testing

Kia complies with the fuel economy regulations of key markets such as Korea, North America, Europe, China, and India. To obtain fuel economy certification, we conduct tests according to the standards of each country. To enhance the reliability of fuel economy and emission measurements conducted in controlled conditions (on-cycle), Hyundai undergoes inspections of fuel economy measuring equipment by external specialized organizations such as the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) and the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH). Furthermore, Hyundai collaborates with a variety of government research institutes and conducts fuel economy tests jointly to ensure public confidence in the accuracy of the fuel economy measurement results. The results of on-cycle and off-cycle test comparative analysis are reported to the executive in charge of powertrain research and development at least once a year

Real-Road (Off-Cycle) Fuel Economy Test

The vehicle fuel economy is influenced by a variety of factors, including internal factors such as gear shifting, vehicle weight, and air conditioning, as well as external factors like road conditions and traffic congestion. In light of this, Kia conducts fuel economy tests not only in controlled conditions (on-cycle) considering a variety of factors but also performs off-cycle tests that simulate real-world driving profiles.

Collaboration with Third-Party Agencies

Kia conducts correlation analysis between the fuel economy test results obtained from real-world (offcycle) tests and those of other organizations. In the US market, we compare our fuel economy data with those published by third-party organizations such as the EPA, J.D. Power, and Consumer Reports. In the European market, comparisons are made with data from third-party organizations such as Green NCAP, Auto Bild, and Spritmonitor. By comparing the fuel economy measurement results with those of third-party organizations in each country, we enhance the credibility of our own fuel economy test results.

Certified EV Energy Efficiency (average) and Battery efficiency

Kia is committed to stably securing high-quality batteries and improving the quality of batteries.
Kia's dedicated EV batteries are designed to provide a maximum driving range of 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers when reaching 70-80% of battery performance. This translates to a cumulative usage of 12 to 15 years when assuming an annual driving distance of 20,000 kilometers.

Average EV energy efficiency