KIA Electric Cars: Everything That’s Need To Know
- Electric Cars
- Updated On - December 30, 2023
In this brief, we will elaborate more on different KIA electric car production by KIA motors.
KIA Motors, based in Seoul, South Korea, is a leading multinational automotive manufacturer. Founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry and later renamed KIA Motors Corporation.
In 2012, the company was the fifth-biggest in making cars and ninth in sales. By 2014, KIA was the sixth-largest carmaker by production and eighth by sales globally.
In Korean KIA means ‘the rising sun’. In the 21st century, KIA started making electric cars like Niro, EV6, Sorento Hybrid/Plug-in, and Sportage Hybrid/Plug-in.
KIA Niro EV
KIA’s electric Niro lineup includes three versions: Kia Niro EV, Kia Soel EV, and Kia Optima EV.
The KIA Niro is the most budget-friendly among them, boasting a dual-clutch transmission with a 240-mile range on a single charge. It charges from 0 to 80% in approximately 54 minutes.
The Niro EV falls into the midsize crossover category, positioned between Stonic and Sportage. With seven color options and a choice between 16-inch and 18-inch wheels, it offers versatility.
Safety features include autonomous braking, smart cruise control, and lane departure warning. KIA’s electric engineers focused on noise reduction, enhancing the cabin’s quietness.
The 2022 second-gen Niro, launched on Jan 25, features a stylish update with a distinctive tiger face and side/back modifications.
Battery
The KIA Niro’s electric battery is manufactured and supplied by SK Innovation. SK Innovation developed an advanced battery technology called Lithium Ferrous Oxide (LFO), which is used in Niro’s lithium-ion battery pack.
The KIA Niro electric is powered by a 39.2 kWh and a 64 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery, providing a range of 385 km on a full charge.
The 39.2 kWh battery powers a 100 kW (134hp) electric motor with 391 Nm torque, enabling around 288 km (179 miles) on a single charge.
Furthermore, the 64 kWh battery provides 150 kW (201hp) torque, offering a range of 455 km.
Both versions are front-wheel drives. In the US, the Kia Niro EV achieves 239 miles (385 km) of range on a full charge. Both versions feature CCS charge ports, supporting rapid charging up to 77 kW. Onboard charging is approximately 7.2 kW, upgradable to 11 kW.
Additionally, the Niro’s lithium-ion battery pack with LFO technology maintains an efficiency of 94.7% over its lifetime. This is crucial for environmental protection, reducing production costs, and minimizing vehicle weight.
The KIA Niro EV charges to 80% in approximately 54 minutes with a Level 3 DC Fast Charger (100 kW).
The Regenerative Braking System conserves energy by recharging the battery with each brake.
The car enables smartphone control via the Connect App, keeping you connected to your Niro from anywhere. It provides real-time updates on battery status, charge level, range, and all vehicle information.
Moreover, the Niro features a battery heating system ensuring efficient operation in freezing weather, especially beneficial for North America.
A heat pump preserves the Niro’s range by preventing heat dissipation from the electrical system. It recycles the heat for cabin heating, conserving your vehicle’s range.
Security
The KIA Niro EV features blind spot detection, operated by a radar system. It provides visual and audible alerts when changing lanes in hazardous areas.
The KIA Niro has front and rear sensors detecting obstacles and alerting the driver with audible signals.
It offers Lane Assist, keeping the vehicle in its lane and steering it back if it deviates.
It includes Rear Crossing Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, rear parking sensors, Driver Attention on Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and Safe Exit Warning.
Interior and Connective Technology
The KIA Niro EV’s technology system enables seamless music enjoyment and messaging through available apps.
If you want to charge your phone, you can do so by placing it on the front console tray.
Additionally, the seats are very comfortable and power-driven, featuring powered lumbar adjustments.
For long drives, it offers features like smart cruise control and highway driving assist.
Niro Hybrid
The KIA Niro’s hybrid powertrain was first unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. It generates 104 kW of power, achieving an average of 4.5-5.5L/100 km. Low consumption is achieved through a blend of lightweight aluminum and steel materials.
The 1.56 kWh battery weighs 33 kg, boosting energy density by nearly 50% for improved efficiency.
The old lead-acid battery for starting was replaced with a 12-volt lithium battery. The transmission is 6-speed and dual-clutch.
Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
There is a facility to switch between gas and electric motors. Also, it carries an 11.1 kWh battery, which provides a wider range to it.
Likewise, KIA Niro Plug-in hybrid gets 33 miles of all-electric range, and in total, it can go for 510 miles. When combined with electricity, it has a consumption of 108 MPG.
Comfort
All three models—the EV, Hybrid, and the Plug-in Hybrid—feature driver-centered dual-screen displays.
Moreover, the touchscreen serves for navigation, convenience, entertainment, and vehicle information. With a spacious 105.1 cu.ft passenger room, it ensures a delightful riding experience.
Driving Assist
It has standard forward collision assist with detection for pedestrians, cyclists, and junction turns.
It uses cameras to scan the road and stops the vehicle if any obstruction is detected.
Not only that, but it also features automatic turning detection, useful when turning left at a junction. The blind spot collision provides audible and visual warnings if there is someone in the blind spot.
While backing up, there is a rear collision assist that stops the vehicle in the presence of any obstruction.
There is a remote starter and automatic climate control. Additionally, you can lock or unlock your doors from outside using the Kia Connect app on your cell phone.
KIA EV6 Electric
The KIA EV6 is the flagship of Kia Motors, offering an exceptional range and is also available in an AWD variant.
Furthermore, KIA offers a Global Modular Platform that creates extra space for passengers, including cargo rooms.
The EV6 is equipped with augmented reality technology, providing a three-dimensional head-up display.
It comes in eight colors, each featuring a stylish polished texture.
Technology and Safety
It features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, capable of responding to potential collisions with an anticipatory driver response.
Additionally, a junction turning function alerts the driver to oncoming vehicles. Lane Keep Assist prevents the vehicle from leaving the lane if the driver is inattentive, especially during long and tiring drives.
Additionally, it features a surround-view monitor assisted by a 360-degree viewing camera, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle.
Rear-view traffic collision avoidance assist helps detect traffic at the rear and the side and can apply the brakes if there is a risk of collision.
Charging
The KIA EV6 is equipped with an 800V multi-charging system, delivering impressive fast charging speed. You can achieve a range of 100 km after 4.5 minutes of charging, and it takes only 18 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Interior
The KIA EV6 infotainment system stands out as one of the most advanced on the market, providing a high degree of customization and control for the driver.
Also, the KIA EV6 dashboard features two 12.3-inch displays. One serves as an infotainment system controller with navigation system control and satellite radio. The other is a digital instrument panel positioned directly in front of the driver, ensuring quick visibility.
The upholstery is vegan. The GT model features a sliding sunroof, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and an excellent Meridian audio system.
Motor
The KIA EV6 is available with a single electric motor on the rear axle, generating 167 HP, or with a dual motor configuration for an AWD experience.
The rear-wheel-drive models feature a smaller battery pack compared to the more powerful AWD drives, generating 320 and 576 hp.
In a rear-wheel drive, the horsepower can increase up to 225 if a larger battery pack is used. The GT model is the most powerful and quickest, capable of achieving 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
Performance
Comes in two battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh.
The smaller battery generates about 232 miles, and the larger battery generates about 310 miles. The performance GT model has a range of 206 miles, compromising its power generation.
Fuel economy stands at 117 MPGe for a single motor rear wheel and 105 MPGe for dual motors.
Warranty
The warranty covers up to 60,000 miles for five years. The powertrain warranty spans 10 years or up to 100,000 miles, making it one of the best warranties compared to others.
Sorento
KIA Sorento has introduced a hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid model, enhancing the fuel economy of this seven-seater with three rows.
KIA Sorento has introduced a hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid model, enhancing the fuel economy of this seven-seater with three rows.
The cabin is spacious, featuring heated and cooled front and rear seats, and the amenities vary based on the trim.
The plug-in model utilizes the same engine and transmission: a 1.6 turbocharged engine and 66.9 kWh electric motor, providing 261 hp.
Fuel Consumption
The hybrid version achieves 39 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Plug-in hybrids get 79 MPGe. They get 33 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. They can go 32 miles on electricity if fully charged.
Interior
It’s solidly built, has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10.3-inch infotainment center. The row isn’t comfortable for adults, and the cargo space is drastically reduced.
Infotainment
There’s a standard 8″ touchscreen or a 10.3″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose audio system, wireless charging pad, and a rear entertainment center with touchscreens.
Safety features
- Standard forward collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard Lane Departure warning and Lane-keeping assist
- Blind–spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- KIA offers one of the most comprehensive warranties
- Five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty
- 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain
KIA Sportage
It’s a stylish crossover with a Kia-branded grille design. The cargo space is bigger and roomier too.
Sportage hybrid models come with a 226-hp hybrid powertrain, while the Sportage plug-in hybrid version offers a 34-mile electric range.
Premium features include a panoramic sunroof, LED lights, a power liftgate, and the EX Sportage Hybrid offers a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and heated front seats.
Engine and Transmission
Sportage’s 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine has 187 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The plug-in hybrid with a gas engine gets a more powerful engine, as well as a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a single electric motor.
With the plug-in hybrid Sportage, you can go from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The X-drive version can handle more rugged roads, and there are different driving modes.
Fuel Economy
When compared to the 2.5L gas engine, the hybrid version gets 42 MPG city and 44 MPG highway, while the plug-in hybrid gets 36 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.
Interior and Cargo
A massive digital display sits on the dashboard and the interior has a two-tone color scheme.
Besides, the console has a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, and plenty of control buttons.
In the latest version, there’s more leg room in the rear seats and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats.
Infotainment
It comes with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. It comes with an 8.0-inch display, but you can upgrade to a 12.3-inch one.
A Harmon/Kardon audio system is available, including a wireless charger and Wi-Fi hot spot. Harmon/Kardon makes speakers and other audio products you can use anywhere.
Safety Features
- Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning
- With lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross traffic alerts
- Coverage for warranty and maintenance
- Kia has one of the best warranties around
- Warranty is five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty is also 10 years or 100,000 miles
- The package doesn’t include maintenance
Adam
Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of the electric highway! I'm a content producer for the world of electric mobility. A tech geek with a passion for sustainable transportation. I'm passionate about sparking conversations and advocating for a world that's clean, efficient, and exciting.
