The Kia Soul EV wasn’t the only electric vehicle to
bow in Los Angeles as the automaker also staged the North American debut of the
2019 Niro EV. Looking largely identical to the standard model, the electric variant
is distinguished by an enclosed grille which features an integrated charging
port. The crossover also has “Arrowhead” LED daytime running lights, revised
side skirts and aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels.
Motivation is provided by a 64 kWh lithium-ion
battery pack which is mounted underneath the floor. It sends power to an
electric motor that develops 201 hp and 395 Nm of
torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.2
seconds before hitting a top speed of nearly 167 km/h. Of course, the Niro’s most
important specification is its 384 km range. This numbers bests the
Chevrolet Bolt by 1.6 km, but is 30.5 km less than the
Hyundai Kona Electric.
When it comes time to recharge the battery, owners
will need approximately 59 hours with a Level 1 charger featuring a 120 volt
connection. Since most drivers don’t want to wait over two days, owners can
also use a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger that reduces the time to 9 hours and 35
minutes. Drivers with even less time can use a DC fast-charger to give the
Niro approximately 161 km of range in 30 minutes. After 75 minutes,
the car can be given an 80 percent charge.
Kia didn’t mention pricing, but confirmed there will
be two versions of the Niro EV in America. The entry-level EX variant comes
equipped with leather and cloth seats, a four-speaker audio system and an
automatic climate control system. The model also has heated front seats, a
wireless smartphone charger and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Moving up to the EX Premium rewards buyers with LED
headlights, a power moonroof and an auto-dimming rearview with HomeLink. Buyers
will also find heated / ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and an
8-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.
Both models also come standard with an assortment of
driver assistance systems including forward collision warning, forward
collision-avoidance assist, and lane departure warning. Other features include
lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and smart cruise control with
stop and go.
