The new Kia Niro EV, which goes on sale today in Korea, will see its European launch at the Paris Motor Show in October this year.
With a real EV range likely to exceed 220 miles (280 miles official*), the all-electric crossover follows the well-received Kia Soul EV and which, unlike most EVs which use lithium-ion, is also powered by a lithium-polymer battery pack.
One of the first electric crossovers, the Niro EV tales its place in the model range alongside a conventional hybrid and the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, of which more than 200,000 have sold globally since the Niro’s introduction in 2016 (including more than 65,000 European sales).
While only around 535 Soul EVs have been sold in the UK, the Niro EV could see more registrations given its crossover status. A sign of its potential popularity, the Korean car maker has received more than 5,000 pre-orders for the Niro EV in its domestic market since the car was first revealed earlier this year.
The 220+ real-world range is provided by a 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery which can be fully charged on a 100 kW rapid charger in around an hour; with a 30 minute rapid charge providing an additional 100+ miles.** A 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with an official range of up to 186 miles* (real range 150 miles) from a single charge will also be available.
Power is provided to the front wheels through a 150 kW (204 PS) motor, producing 395 Nm torque from a standstill, for acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 7.8 seconds. The battery pack is located low down in the body, creating a centre of gravity more akin to that of a saloon or a hatchback, ensuring maximum stability and driving enjoyment on winding roads.
The new Niro EV is expcetd to be available in the UK by the end of the year; the full UK specification pricing and on-sale date will be announced in due course.
*Official range and other technical data are expected targets, pending further development and homologation. The driving range standards are calculated using the World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) in Europe. All figures are subject to change. **Recharge time estimates made by NGC based on currently available information.
