The 2019 Kia Niro electric crossover has finally made its North American debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this week.
While the Niro has been available as a hybrid and as a plug-in hybrid for some time now, the 2019 Kia Niro is a fully-electric vehicle that packs a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium ion polymer battery. The battery, which is stored under the floor of the vehicle to allow for minimal passenger space intrusion, is capable of offering a range of approximately 239 miles. The vehicle also sports a 201-horsepower electric motor with 291 lb.-ft. of torque
The 2019 Kia Niro features a CCS DC fast-charging setup capable of charging at 100 kW that can refill the vehicle from zero to 80 percent in 75 minutes, adding approximately 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes. It reportedly takes 9.5 hours to fully refill the vehicle’s depleted battery using a 240-volt Level 2 (240v) charger.
In order to help preserve battery power, Kia has implemented four distinct drive modes into the Niro EV: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Eco+. According to Kia, the drive modes automatically adjust regenerative braking level, air conditioning, and heating settings, and even set speed limits to help manage operating efficiency. The 2019 Kia Niro also features smart regenerative braking technology that allows drivers to slow the vehicle and capture kinetic energy, returning energy to the battery and adding extra range.
Since the introduction of the 2016 hybrid Niro and 2017 plug-in hybrid Niro, Kia has added a number of significant upgrades to the interior and exterior of the 2019 Kia Niro EV:
Exterior:
- Unique front fascia with closed off grille – no need for an open grille, since there’s no internal combustion engine to cool
- “Arrowhead” LED Daytime Running Lights
- New lower air intake with EcoDynamics blue surround accent
- Specially-designed 17-inch alloy wheels engineered to help reduce drag and improve efficiency
- Reshaped rocker panels
- Revised front and rear bumper fascias with blue trim accents – unique to the Niro EV
Interior:
- High-tech rotary shifter dial (shift-by-wire) with available customizable “mood” lighting
- Large, multi-functional center console with many storage options, cup holders, storage compartments and 3 USB ports – 2 charging and one connectivity
- Niro EV-only seat upholstery with blue highlights
- Available special blue and black high-tech “holographic” graphic door trim
The 2019 Kia Niro electric crossover will be built in South Korea at Kia’s Hwaseong manufacturing facility alongside the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid and is expected to go on sale early 2019.
Source: Kia Media
