The new Niro EV opens a world of new possibilities for consumers who love crossover characteristics but also want all the benefits electric vehicles have to offer. Not only can they have all the functionality of a traditional crossover, but they can have it while happily driving past filling stations.

Powertrain and Battery

Energy and power for Niro EV comes from a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium ion polymer battery that is packaged under the floor of the vehicle to allow for minimal passenger space intrusion. Fast charging³ rates are brief, so even extended road trips can continue after only short charging intervals. Some specifications and features of the Niro EV battery and powertrain include:

201-horsepower electric motor with 291 lb.-ft. of torque
Charging protocol changed to CCS and battery can now charge at 100kW which I love!
Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast-charge is standard equipment. So that’s approximately 100-mile recharge in 30 minutes or 80 percent total battery capacity in 75 minutes.
Level 2 (240v) at 7.2 kWh charger needs approximately 9.5 hours for a full charge.
Charge time and range based on 50 kW charger performed at 200 amps. Also 77 degrees Fahrenheit battery temperature, and under 10% battery State of Charge. Actual range will vary with options. For that’s driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice. Also the battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability. . So Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging

The Driving Experience — A Blast on the Road and Flexible, Too

With 291 lb.-ft. of torque, the Niro EV’s powerful electric motor offers plenty of pull. I mean and, well, electrifying get-up-and-go. Add to that a low center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery pack and also a 106.3 inch-long wheelbase. Now the Niro EV also delivers a vehicle that’s entertaining to drive. Moreover it’s stable and feels planted to the ground. Of course, driving style affects the amount of energy expended, and the Niro EV is equipped with a variety of tools that put lots of useful energy management control in the driver’s hands, including:

Four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Eco+. Each that automatically adjust regenerative braking level, air conditioning and heating settings, and even set speed limits to help manage operating efficiency.
Smart regenerative braking operated via paddle shifters provides drivers the ability to slow the car and capture kinetic energy. The Cadillac ELR had this too. For it’s returning energy to the battery and adding extra range. Drivers can choose from four regen braking levels (0 to 3) depending on how aggressive drivers want the regen effort and energy efficiency (range) needs.
Brake and Hold System feature allows regen paddle shifter to bring the car to a full stop. Thereby adding energy to the battery that would be lost using normal braking.
Smart Regen System adjusts the regenerative braking level based on a vehicle being detected in front of the Niro EV. That’s to create smoother coast-down driving. For that’s especially when descending a steep road.
Smart Eco Pedal Guide display on the instrument cluster. All that helps to keep the driver aware of real-time power distribution based on accelerator pedal input.

NIRO EV HIGHLIGHT – WHAT IS THAT SOUND?

Part of the great fun of EV ownership is the futuristic aspect of the vehicle you’re driving. The Niro EV is not only a blast because of its powerful and torquey motor. However, it also makes a fantastic techy whirring noise. All when moving that evokes speedy sci-fi craft. One early tester confessed to driving the car in parking garages with the windows down. LOL I mean just for the pleasure of hearing the motor. All because the sound, though, is actually produced by the Pedestrian Warning System. For that’s a speaker and controller assembly. Then it’s mounted behind the front bumper. Without it, the Niro EV would be silent. Now that’s possibly very cool, but which some consider a potential hazard to pedestrians. So, the car makes its fantastic futuristic whir so everyone knows it’s coming. While they apologize to those who wanted to believe they really were piloting an earth-bound spaceship. Yet they can take comfort in the knowledge that the Niro EV is still a very sophisticated machine.

Design – A Unique Expression of a Successful Style

When Kia designed and created the Niro, it was engineered to accommodate many different advanced electrified powertrains. First to arrive in 2016 was the hybrid. I mean then in 2017 the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Finally and now a fully-electric powertrain. This battery-electric Niro EV is right on trend as consumers shift more and more to electric vehicles. All the while looking for the attributes of crossovers. For that’s such as the higher seating position for easy ingress/egress and better visibility. Also the utility and function for varied lifestyles (18.5 cu.-ft. of cargo space and 53 cu.-ft. with the backseat folded). In order to provide the Niro EV its own character, it has several unique exterior and interior design cues, including:

Technology — Equipment-Rich, Advanced Connectivity, Safety Features, and Driver Assistance Systems

The Niro EV is loaded with high-tech, advanced automotive technology. All to complement its status as a state-of-the-art, all-electric vehicle. For it’s equipment includes the “Kia Drive Wise” suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. In addition, a long list of standard and optional equipment. For that always highlights Kia standards. All of which are listed but A 7 INCH TOUCHSCREEN. THEN WITH REAR VIEW AND PARK ASSIST! Also can you say 6 speaker audio system with that USB option too on both Apple CarPlay and that Android. Yes, the standard wireless connectivity and voice recognition too plus all the major safety features. I mean like 7 airbags to start and that “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). That means for me sensors and alerts everywhere folks!

New for Niro EV is a revamped UVO telematics system. One that allows owners to monitor and control a long list of vehicle operations. For that’s including:

NIRO EV HIGHLIGHT – BATTERY COMPOSITION

In addition, Kia Motors Corporation sources EV, HEV, and PHEV batteries. All from multiple global suppliers. The battery specifications and also the exact cell chemistry varies for each application. All which can impact materials and also the sourcing. Howoever, Kia goes to LG Chem and SK innovation. For they source battery elements, including cobalt. All moreover from a variety of regions. These battery manufacturers regularly review mineral sourcing. Finally and re-source to new areas to manage stability, cost, logistics, and other factors. Thereby ultimately looking at other ways to source cobalt and to reduce usage. Most importantly, battery engineers are striving to progressively reduce the cobalt required. Finally and are succeeding.

Made in Korea, Coming to America

In conclusion, the new Niro EV will be built in South Korea at Kia’s Hwaseong manufacturing facility. That’s right alongside the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Finally and FYI, that Premium EX features include:

So that 8-inch color navigation touchscreen. Moreover that power tilt/slide sunroof.
In addition the 8-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system. Also with an external amplifier and subwoofer.
I also like the auto-dimming mirror with Homelink. In the winter I always dig a heated steering wheel. Did I say I or mention which I love in the winter.
Another option I always love is LED exterior and interior lighting. Let’s not forget I always love the mood lighting.
Parking distance warning. All which includes forward and reverse. Finally and a deluxe scuff plate.

Source: Kia Motors