South Trail Kia
Kia Niro EV is Coming to Canada in 2019
At South Trail Kia in Calgary, we've always been fond of the Kia Niro. It combines style, versatility, cargo space, and fuel efficiency in a way no other small vehicle can match. The only thing that would make the Niro even better would be an electric drivetrain--and now it's getting one! The Kia Niro EV is on its way, and soon you'll be able to test drive one at South Trail Kia.
Electric Vehicle Efficiency and Performance
The Niro is Kia's speciality green model. It's already available in Canada with a standard hybrid drivetrain that makes it one of the most fuel-efficient compact hybrids on the road. The new Niro EV takes this a step further, ditching the gasoline engine and going fully electric. The Niro EV's electric motor generates 201 horsepower and a very impressive 291 lb-ft of torque, delivering performance to match its stylish looks. If you've never experienced the power of electric torque, trust us--it's exhilarating.
Usability and Practicality
Traditionally, one of the drawbacks of electric vehicles has been a short driving range between charges. Kia has addressed this issue with a state-of-the-art liquid-cooled battery in the Niro EV. This battery pack is expected to provide up to 240 miles of range on a single charge, making the Niro EV a perfect companion for both daily commuting and for longer weekend trips. Plus, the Niro EV features CCS DC fast-charging technology. This can recharge the battery to 80 percent in only 75 minutes. Just 30 minutes are needed to get an extra 100 miles of range, meaning you can boost your range on a road trip while you stop for lunch. This eliminates range anxiety, a drawback in previous generations of electric vehicles.
Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy and uses it to recharge the battery on the fly while driving. In some electric vehicles, regenerative braking begins the second you back off the accelerator, creating a driving dynamic that some drivers don't like. To address this, the Niro EV lets you choose up to four levels of regenerative braking via a steering wheel mounted paddle. The paddle includes a brake-and-hold setting that can even bring the Niro EV to a full stop while converting the maximum amount of forward momentum into extra charge. Or choose a lower level of regenerative braking for a more traditional driving experience.
Style
The Niro already draws raves for its style, which proves that compact hybrid SUVs can look like something other than penalty boxes or weird spaceships. With muscular proportions and a sleek roofline, the Niro looks like a small luxury SUV. The Niro EV has the same great looks with a smoother front fascia for greater aerodynamic efficiency, while still keeping the distinctive Kia "tiger nose." The grille is closed off, since after all, an all-electric drivetrain doesn't need an air intake. The lower air intake and fog light nacelles have electric blue accents, as does the rear bumper. Special aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels complete the Niro EV's distinctive look.