Los Angeles, November 30, 2017 —The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) brings an exciting new dimension to Kia’s alternative fuel car line-up. As Kia’s third plug-in model, and anticipated in retailer showrooms by the end of this year, the Niro PHEV offers the same crossover utility, fun-driving and winning design of the Niro hybrid, but with an estimated 26-miles of All-Electric Range.
“The Niro Plug-in is the exciting next step in Kia’s progression toward offering more alternative fuel vehicles by 2020,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Consumers who are intrigued by the Niro hybrid’s fantastic versatility and design, but want even more EcoDynamics technology and the ability to drive only using electric power, will find more to love in the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.”
Rated at an EPA-estimated 26 miles of All-Electric Range, Niro PHEV can help some drivers consume less gasoline in most driving conditions and in all-electric mode it produces zero emissions. And with the total driving range rated at up to an estimated 560 miles, it offers fantastic versatility. With Niro Plug-in Hybrid you can have it all—pure EV daily driving and the ability to take long road trips.
Let me test it. I’ll get more EV!!
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid is yet another vehicle introduced under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics sub-brand and represents an important next step on the path to nearly tripling the brand’s global lineup of alternative fuel vehicles by 2020, which includes the Niro, Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV and the Soul EV. The new Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers all the same feature-rich packaging and driving fun of the hybrid Niro, but with a few PHEV-exclusive touches, such as a subtly-modified front grille insert and surround, hybrid blue exterior accents, available LED headlamps, a charge port door (on left front fender), available 7-inch color meter cluster with digital tachometer and “ECO/Plug-In” badges.
Efficient and Engaging Powertrain
Plugin hybrid
The Kia Niro PHEV pairs an all-aluminum, efficient 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh (59 kW) lithium-polymer battery pack and a powerful 60-HP (44.5 kW) electric motor, a set-up for optimum fuel efficiency and electrically driven range. While the Niro PHEV boasts an MPGe rating of 105, its EPA-estimated MPG ratings of 48 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 46 mpg/combined are similar to those of Kia Niro hybrid. The estimated driving range when both electric and gasoline systems work together is up to 560 miles.
Increased high-voltage battery capacity (+7.34 kWh more than Niro hybrid) and output/power have helped make the Niro Plug-in Hybrid an efficient, low emissions crossover with a 105 MPGe rating. The Niro PHEV’s compact, high voltage battery is neatly tucked under the cargo floor and under the rear seat and maintains the same spacious cargo capacity as the Niro hybrid. A single charging port is located in the driver’s side front fender. A full charge can be achieved in approximately 2.5 hours via a 240V (Level 2) charger, and under 9 hours via a 120V (Level 1) charger.
The Niro PHEV employs the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) as the Niro. Drivers choose from several driving modes, including EV mode, Hybrid mode, (default) Eco mode, or Sport modes for having fun with the powertrain’s combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
Heads up though, during ECO mode, expect the AC to cut down to just Driver-Only.
Strong and Light Core
The lightweight structure underpinning the Niro Plug-in Hybrid is built on the same dedicated platform as the conventional Niro, utilizing over 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS).
Kia expects that the Niro and Niro PHEV will earn top honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). We shall see!
Feature-Rich
Like the Niro hybrid, the Niro PHEV seats five and offers the same great crossover functionality and generous cargo capacity. The Niro PHEV will be offered in three trim levels—LX, EX and EX Premium.
This Kia Niro PHEV is also safety rich offering a advanced driver assistance and convenience technologies, including Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and front and rear parking sensors; while Smart Cruise Control (SCC); Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) are all standard.
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid also includes UVO eco9 which extends Kia’s award-winning connectivity service by offering convenience and safety features tailored to eco-minded drivers. With UVO eco, drivers can remotely10 monitor and charge their vehicle’s high-voltage battery; setup charging schedules to take advantage of off-peak utility rates; preset the vehicle’s cabin temperature, turn on window defrosters, and heat the steering wheel, lock or unlock doors, and find their vehicle from their smartphone or web enabled device.
Source: Kia Motors America www.kiamedia.com, www.kiamedia.com
11/30/17 | ID: 13279
Key disclaimers!!
- EPA-estimated range on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and road/traffic conditions. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see http://www.fueleconomy.gov.
- EPA-estimated MPG equivalent when vehicle is fully charged. Actual MPGe will vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and road/traffic conditions. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on MPGE and range, please see http://www.fueleconomy.gov.
- Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
- Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
- Based on range listed at fueleconomy.gov, which cautions that range assumes a full tank and 100% of fuel in tank will be used before refueling. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. Kia recommends that you refuel as soon as possible after the low fuel warning light illuminates or sooner.
- Level 2 (240V) charging station shown is not available for purchase and does not come with vehicle. Actual charging stations will vary.
Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a handheld device or vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Apps use your smartphone data service, and some features of the UVO eco app require you to enable push notifications on your smartphone. Normal cellular service rates will apply.
Also expect some cool remote climate control features vehicle is in an enclosed environment (e.g., closed garage).
