Big Electric Horsepower; Big Range for Little Crossover
Small crossovers are well-known for being able to haul up-to a family of five or all sorts of stuff and are one of the hottest segment in the automotive market. So, it makes perfect sense that the growing electric vehicle industry would start making inroads there. Kia added one more reason to buy a small crossover, with the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show debut of the all-new 2019 Kia Niro EV with more than 200 miles of all-electric range
The Kia Niro isn’t new to electrification as the two current versions are either a hybrid or a plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV). Both have been reviewed favorably on Clean Fleet Report, so we anticipate the pure-electric Niro will also be a fun, efficient and zippy car to drive.
The 2019 Kia Niro EV is powered by a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery that provides juice to the single electric motor delivering 201 horsepower and 291 pounds-feet of torque. These numbers have us wanting to drive the Niro EV to experience what Kia says is “electrifying get-up-and-go.” Driving range is 239 miles, which is more than most owners will require for their day-to-day driving demands.
Big Batteries+Fast Charging
The battery pack, which is located under the seats, can be charged to 80-percent in 75 minutes using a DC fast charger. A Level 2 (240V) charger, which is found at commercial charging locations and can be installed at most homes and businesses, will charge the battery full in about 9.5 hours. As with all electrified vehicles, the battery can also be charged while driving through the regenerative braking system that charges when applying the brakes or coasting.
When Clean Fleet Report has the Kia Niro EV in early 2019 for a full review, we anticipate the handling should be tight and responsive, aided by that low battery placement. This battery location also allows the interior to seat up to five and, with the seats folded, the storage capacity should be impressive. The infotainment (information and entertainment) system will have a 7.0-inch color touchscreen in EX model, or an 8.0-inch in the EX Premium trim line. Both come with a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for 2019 is the requirement that electric vehicles make a sound at low speeds. Kia’s pedestrian warning system makes a “fantastic futuristic whir” to give pedestrians a heads-up warning when they are being approached from behind. Even one more cool thing that increases our desire to drive the 2019 Kia Niro EV.
Look for the Kia Niro EV to go on-sale in early 2019.
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