"400km on a Single Charge" Kia New Niro Electric Vehicle Pre-Orders Begin

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Kia revealed the main specifications and prices of the new eco-friendly dedicated sports utility vehicle (SUV) Niro electric vehicle (EV) on the 3rd and began accepting pre-orders. This is a completely redesigned new model six years after the launch of the first-generation model in 2016.

The new Niro EV can travel 401 km on a single charge. It is equipped with a 64.8 kWh high-voltage battery, Smart Regenerative Braking System 2.0, a high-efficiency heating system including a heat pump and battery heating system, achieving a combined energy efficiency of 5.3 km per kWh. It features a front-wheel high-efficiency motor delivering a maximum output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 255 Nm. The Smart Regenerative Braking System 2.0 automatically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking by analyzing the traffic flow ahead, navigation map information, and the driver’s deceleration patterns.

For the first time among Kia electric vehicles, a battery conditioning function has been included. This function preheats the battery to secure output performance when the external temperature is low and optimizes the battery temperature in advance when the customer sets a fast-charging station as the destination to ensure charging performance. The i-Pedal mode, which allows driving and stopping using only the accelerator pedal, is included. The regenerative braking level can be adjusted using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.

The company stated that the third-generation platform has been applied to enhance body safety. The interior space has been expanded, and responsiveness, handling, quietness, and braking performance have been improved. Aluminum reinforcements were added underneath to protect the battery system, and hot-stamped components were used to reinforce key parts of the body.

Compared to the previous model, the overall length has increased by 45 mm, the wheelbase by 20 mm, and the width by 20 mm, expanding the interior space. The second row seats fold flat in a 60:40 ratio. The trunk capacity is 475 liters (based on VDA European measurement standards), 24 liters larger than the previous model. The front trunk (frunk) has a capacity of 20 liters.

The vehicle features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that can supply general power externally. It provides power at a level of 3 kW, which is the average hourly electricity consumption of a typical household. The smartphone application allows users to check the vehicle battery’s charging status and provides estimated remaining battery information based on the driving distance when a destination is set. The vehicle is equipped with a head-up display, Kia Pay, air purification system, afterblow, digital key, and Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) includes Highway Driving Assist 2, which is applied in the premium sedans K8 and K9. It helps maintain distance and speed from the vehicle ahead and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane, allowing lane changes with just the operation of the turn signal. Convenience features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The charging port is hidden on the front of the vehicle, and the rear bumper includes a skid plate, giving a lively impression. The 17-inch wheels are designed to reduce air resistance. The seats have a slim design, and the seat cushions minimize stitching lines to express the characteristics of an electric vehicle. Exterior colors are available in seven options including white, and the interior comes in three options: dark gray (charcoal) and two electric vehicle-exclusive light gray colors.

The trim lineup has been reorganized from the previous Prestige and Noblesse trims to Air and Earth. The Air trim is priced at 48.52 million KRW, and the Earth trim at 51.33 million KRW (based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax rate, before electric vehicle tax benefits). Prices after electric vehicle tax benefits will be announced later. As a pre-order event, 100 customers will be selected by lottery to receive limited edition trekking shoes.