The Kia Niro EV’s starting price for the EX trim is $39,990, and the EX Premium variant starts at $44,650.
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What electric vehicle can you buy at the lowest price?
One of the first totally electric vehicles to go on sale was the Nissan Leaf, which has been around since 2011. Due to the $4,270 price reduction it received for the 2022 model year, it is now officially the least expensive electric vehicle you can purchase in the United States, earning it the top spot on this list. Nissan, however, took care to keep the overall package intact; in fact, it added some additional extras to the lowest S model. Now standard are Chademo fast-charging ports and 240-Volt Level 2 charging. It has an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
This four-door electric hatchback has a single motor system that generates 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It has a range of 149 miles and a 40 kWh battery. The most affordable electric car currently on the market isn’t the best, but you can’t expect anything more from it. Why don’t we sweeten the bargain even more? It qualifies for a federal tax credit of $7,500, which essentially lowers the price to just under $20,000 before destination. Does it currently have your attention?
How long do the batteries in electric cars last?
An electric vehicle obtains its power straight from a large pack of batteries, as opposed to internal combustion engined cars, which get their energy from burning gasoline or fuel.
These resemble an enlarged version of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in your smartphone; however, electric vehicles (EVs) use packs made up of thousands of individual Li-ion cells that cooperate to power the vehicle. Electricity is utilized to change the batteries’ chemical composition while the car is charging. These modifications are then reversed when the vehicle is in motion to create electricity.
Electric car battery technology
While driving, EV batteries go through cycles of “discharge,” and they “charge,” when the car is plugged in. The battery’s ability to keep a charge is affected by how often you repeat this operation. As a result, the distance between charges and the time between trips are reduced. The majority of manufacturers offer a battery guarantee of five to eight years. A battery for an electric vehicle, however, is currently expected to last 1020 years before needing to be replaced.
It’s surprisingly easy to understand how a battery and the car’s electric motor function together.
The wheels are driven by electric motors that are connected to the battery. When you step on the gas, the car immediately supplies the motor with power, which progressively uses up the energy stored in the batteries.
When you release the accelerator, the automobile starts to slow down by turning its forward momentum back into power thanks to the fact that electric motors can also function as generators. This effect is amplified if you apply the brakes. By recovering energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, regenerative braking increases battery life and extends the travel distance of an automobile.
Electric car battery lithium-ion
Electric vehicles and a variety of portable electronics employ lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, a type of rechargeable battery. Compared to normal lead-acid or nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, they have a higher energy density. As a result, the size of the battery pack as a whole can be decreased by battery makers.
The lightest of all metals is lithium. However, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries only have ions and not lithium metal. Ions are atoms or molecules having an electric charge brought on by the loss or gain of one or more electrons, for those who are unsure of what an ion is.
In addition to being safer than many alternatives, lithium-ion batteries must also have safety precautions in place to safeguard consumers in the unlikely case of a battery failure. To protect the batteries during frequent, rapid charging sessions that take place quickly, manufacturers, for example, install charging protections in electric vehicles.
Anticipated trends of electric cars
EV trends appear to be focused on hands-free technologies and AI as the EV market develops. In 2022, as electric car technology advances and people acquire confidence in autonomous piloting technology, we might witness a rise in the prevalence of self-driving vehicles. While other automakers are only now starting to deploy their own versions of the Autopilot software, Tesla released its initial version back in 2015. Volvo recently unveiled Ride Pilot, its own autonomous vehicle technology, which would let drivers drive on highways without keeping an eye on the car, allowing them to dine or watch a movie.
Although battery-powered electric vehicles are now the most popular kind, German automakers, such as Audi and BMW, are also working on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Without emitting harmful emissions into the atmosphere, these vehicles internalize the conversion of hydrogen into energy. Since hydrogen fuel cells can store more energy than lithium-ion batteries, they might be more prevalent in 2022. However, detractors claim that the battery electric vehicle business is more lucrative than the market for hydrogen vehicles. It’s just incredibly tough to generate hydrogen, store it, and use it in a car, Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO, said.
Most anticipated EVs for 2022
While Tesla dominates the electric vehicle market in terms of sales, a number of rival automakers are generating excitement for their upcoming 2022 models. This year, consumers eagerly anticipate the following automobile releases:
- The electric Tesla Cybertruck Tesla Cybertruck’s introduction is anticipated for later in 2022, which is later than pre-ordering customers anticipated. The majority of buyers surveyed by Business Insider claimed that they were willing to wait for the six-passenger truck despite the fact that it has four motors and four-wheel steering, which enable the vehicle to make incredibly tight bends.
- BMW iX: The electric vehicle BMW iX has appeared in magazines including Car and Driver, Car Magazine, and Edmunds’ lists of the finest electric cars and best electric SUVs. The vehicle has roomy seats, a wide trunk, and a luxurious cabin.
- Chevy Equinox EV: In 2023, General Motors will introduce an electric version of the well-liked Chevy Equinox. With a starting price of roughly $30,000, potential EV buyers might be persuaded to hold off on making a purchase until the SUV is released.
- Nissan ARIYA: Arriving in the fall of 2022, the Nissan ARIYA sports a twin motor, an enhanced range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, built-in Alexa, and intelligent blind spot intervention.
- Toyota bZ4X: Toyota’s new all-electric SUV has a driving range of up to 250 miles, Apple CarPlay, and improved safety features. It can also be charged at home.
Average cost of an electric vehicle
Initially, electric automobiles are more expensive than gas-powered ones. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost of an EV is $56,437, which is about $5,000 more expensive than the average cost of a base-model, high-end, gas-powered car. However, the gas savings might offset the difference in sticker price. According to a Consumer Reports study, gasoline costs are reduced by about 60% for EV drivers compared to gas-powered vehicle drivers. According to CNBC, the entire cost of a gas-powered automobile would be $94,540 over the course of its 200,000-mile lifespan, whereas the cost of an equivalent EV would be $90,160.
Additionally, federal tax incentives that can reduce the cost of your vehicle by as much as $7,500 are helping to cut the sticker price of EVs. Additionally, because to advancements in battery and technology, EVs should become much more affordable in the upcoming years.
Average cost of car insurance for EVs?
All vehicle types combined, full coverage auto insurance in the U.S. costs an average of $1,674. The price of car insurance for electric vehicles varies, however. High-end EVs have higher insurance costs. For instance, the average cost of complete coverage for a Tesla Model S is $3,802, while the average cost of full coverage for a Fiat 500c is $1,463. However, costs will change depending on your unique traits, the make and model of your car, and the insurer you pick. You might wish to research businesses that specialize in EV insurance.
In general, insurance for electric vehicles is more expensive than for conventional vehicles. Why? Generally speaking, electric vehicles are more expensive and require more frequent repairs. Insurance firms may increase the cost of car insurance for EV owners in anticipation of these higher repair costs.
How long does the battery last on a Kia Niro?
Batteries for Kia Niro vehicles typically last 3-5 years, however this varies based on the battery type, driving style, environmental factors, and other factors. Regularly starting your Kia Niro will help to extend the life of the battery. Avoid letting your battery sit idle for extended periods of time.
Where can I get a Kia EV6 charger?
The CCS charging standard, which has a combination AC and DC intake connector, is what the Kia EV6 makes use of. The Type 2 connector, which is used while charging at home or at public slow and fast AC ports, fits into the top portion of the inlet. High power is transported via the upper and lower regions of the intake during rapid DC charging. The CCS charging input for the Kia EV6 is located on the off-side rear flank, which is where the car’s side and rear come together.
Depending on the network and kind of charge unit, the Kia EV6 can be charged at public points in a slow, fast, or rapid manner. Fast charging often requires a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable, whereas slow charging typically calls for a 3-pin-to-Type 2. One of these cables is typically included with the vehicle. The vehicle employs a tethered CCS connector, which is a component of the charging unit, for quick charging.
Is the Kia e-Niro a good car?
Yes, the Kia e-Niro is a fantastic vehicle and among the greatest electric vehicles available today. The Kia e-Niro is a great option if you’re searching for a versatile electric family vehicle with a respectable range and enough capacity for a family of four.
What is the waiting list for the Kia e-Niro?
For Kia, the e-Niro has proven to be so well-liked that there is currently a 12-month waiting list for a new vehicle. If you can’t wait that long, more and more used e-Niros are appearing on the secondary market.
What is the range of the Kia e-Niro?
The Kia e-Niro has a maximum range of 282 miles between charges. That applies to the 64kWh model; the 39kWh model has a slightly reduced range of 180 miles.
How quickly can a Kia EV6 charge?
Range anxiety and charging times are false difficulties with electric automobiles, contrary to what early adopter EV enthusiasts claim. These are valid worries that, if not addressed, would prevent the expansion and widespread use of electric vehicles outside the enthusiast community.
But the market has now found a solution for both after more than a decade of false starts in the development and use of electric vehicles: extremely rapid charging.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, which I drove and adored last year, has a corporate twin, the Kia EV6, which I was testing this week. I was truly amazed by how quickly DC fast charging can beless than 18 minutes to provide more than 200 miles of rangeand how it alters everything.
The innovative (and pricey) 800-volt architecture used by the EV6 was made possible by the enormous scale economies of the E-GMP platform, which will support the majority of the forthcoming EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Competitors with slower charging 400-volt systems include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Polestar 2.
The rise in voltage is significant, but to understand why, we first discuss basic physics: Watts are calculated using the formula volts * amps. In plain English, it indicates that you must increase the volts, the amperage, or both in order to accelerate the charging of an electric vehicle (EV). The E-GMP platform can charge a 400-volt vehicle at the same amperage twice as quickly as an 800-volt vehicle by employing an 800-volt architecture instead of a 400-volt.
Though Tesla continues to use a 400V architecture, its Superchargers can accommodate significantly more amperage than the majority of other fast-charging locations. In order to sustain higher amperage, both the car and the charging cable require much more copper (a thicker cable, for example), alternate cooling techniques, and/or measures to prevent overheating. Tesla’s technology is either superior to that of the competition (maybe!) or the business is just a little less conservative than the rest of the sector (certainly! ), or more likely a little of both.
What is certain is that Hyundai and Kia invested a significant amount of money in the research and development of the 800-volt system, exchanging an initial financial outlay for a significantly improved product. This positions Hyundai Motor Group as a leader in the world’s transition to electric vehicles for many years to come. Hyundai and Kia are not the only luxury companies offering 800-volt EVs. Although Porsche and Audi are already selling them, the South Korean company is now the only major automaker to offer 800V vehicles.
I was astounded when I tested out a 350 kW Electrify America fast charger with my EV6. I walked into a Walmart parking lot with a 14 percent charge, swiped a credit card on a brand-new charger, and watched as electrons started to flow.
I had reached much over 200 kilowatts of charge in less than 30 seconds. According to research done by InsideEVs, that’s twice what you’d see with a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which just about manages 100 kilowatts from 10% to 40%.
My research supported Kia’s claim that the EV6 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, which is incredibly quick when compared to the Mach-(about E’s 45 minutes) and VW ID’s charging times.4 (about 35 minutes). I’ve given the Mach-E positive reviews on multiple occasions, however it takes approximately three times as long to charge from 10% to 80%, after which the charging rate drops precipitously to around 12 kilowatts.
Contrarily, the EV6 continued to charge at just over 100 kilowatts even after completing 80 percent of its charge cycle, which is as quickly as the Mach-E for the majority of its full charge cycle. A portion of this is attributable to Ford’s charging software’s conservative design, which, according to company engineers, was created expressly to safeguard the battery and may be loosened in the future. But now, when compared to other items in their price range, the Kia and Hyundai products are lightning-quick.
Due to the company’s Supercharger facilities, I used to suggest the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y as my go-to EVs for everyone. The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have risen to the top of my list of suggestions thanks to these remarkable charging speeds and a rapidly expanding network of very-high-speed third-party charging stations (Electrify America, in particular).
The time it takes to stop at a gas station, refuel, go inside for a toilet break, and choose which can of road trip Pringles you want is rapidly approaching the duration of an 18-minute charging session. With the EV6 and Ioniq 5 and whatever EVs they release next, it puts Kia and Hyundai in the front of the field.
Additionally, it puts the rest of the industry on the back foot right away, despite the fact that they’ll undoubtedly dispute it. The VW ID and Mustang Mach-E won’t be far behind. Four owners begin to gripe about how their fancy new EV recharges much more slowly while they watched a Kia roll in empty and roll out fully charged.
Nearly all EV owners engage in conversation at charging stations, sharing notes and taking an interest in different vehicles as if it were an unplanned auto show. The EV6 and Ioniq 5 also have the best chance of winning best of show by exiting first.