Kia to expand Australian model range with the launch of Niro EV electric SUV
Niro EV to feature 64 kWh battery with 77 kW DC charging
WLTP Energy consumption figures of 455km 158 Wh/km
0-100km/h figure of 7.8 seconds, 167 km/h top speed (overseas figures)
EV S priced from $62,590, EV Sport priced from $65,990
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models also available
Kia Australia has finally announced that the Niro EV (known as the e-Niro in overseas markets) will be available in Oz, priced from $62,590 for the entry-level EV S specification, and $65,990 for the better-equipped EV Sport specification.
This places the pricing of the Niro EV very close to sister-brand Hyundai’s Kona Electric sibling, with which the Niro EV shares a battery and electric motor. The Kona Electric range is priced from $62,000 for the Elite and $65,990 for the Highlander specification. Both models have a power output of 150 kW, and produce 395 Nm of torque.
Offering a 64 kWh Li-ion Polymer battery and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, the Niro EV can cover 455 kilometres on a single charge according to the WLTP combined testing cycle, and can reach 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
Inclusions
The EV S model features an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Digital radio, 7-inch digital driver’s instrument panel, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, 17” aerodynamic alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a cloth/leather black upholstery.
In addition, the Sport model adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, full LED headlights, a premium 8-speaker JBL audio system, aluminium sports pedals, and Kia’s Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Both models will feature brake regeneration control via paddle-shifters, a virtual engine sound system, rear-view camera, seven airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (car/pedestrian/cyclist), Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Driver Attention Alert. We think it’s disappointing that Kia Australia chose to differentiate the entry-level EV S by excluding Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; we always believe all available safety technology should be standard.
Charging
Like Hyundai’s Kona Electric, the Niro EV features 7.2 kW Type-2 AC charging, and 100 kW CCS2 DC fast charging. Kia claims nine hours and 35 minutes are required to charge the Niro EV to 80% via an AC connection, and 54 minutes when plugged into a 100 kW DC fast charger.
Fastned’s graph below shows the Niro EV charging at a maximum of 77 kW from 0 to 40 percent on a DC network, dropping to 55 kW at a 55 percent state of charge (SOC), before tailing down to just 25 kW at an 80 percent SOC. Fastned achieved a maximum power figure of 77 kW, and an average of 64 kW, and beat Kia’s time of 44 minutes for a 10-80 percent charge.
Fastned’s charging curve for the Kia Niro EV (tested on European model)
Sport variants include three levels of regenerative braking, selectable through the steering wheel paddles; the left paddle increases regenerative braking and deceleration while the right paddle decreases it.
One Pedal Braking is also included, which is activated by holding the left paddle in for more than half a second while coasting. Continuing to hold the paddle will bring the car to a halt.
Six colours will be available at launch; Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Runway Red and Yacht Blue. All but Clear White will attract a premium paint surcharge of $520.
Kia will also offer a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Niro, starting from $39,990 and $46,590 respectively. The PHEV variant includes an 8.9 kWh battery, and achieves a combined-cycle fuel efficiency figure of 1/3 l/100km.
We’ll keep you updated on the Niro EV’s availability and delivery timings when we findout more.
