The second-generation Kia Niro made its debut in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday after being teased earlier this week. Although the new Niro places a considerably greater focus on design, it will still be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and completely electric guises like the outgoing model.
The Habaniro concept from 2019 served as the basis for the general design, which is more of a crossover than the first-generation Niro. With a small trim piece across the breadth of the front end, it features a new rendition of the “Tiger Nose” visage popularized by Kia. Wide headlamp units have “heartbeat” LED running lights, and the bumper has a lower skid plate element and a large grille that resembles a mouth. The EV receives a center-mounted charging port, a slightly smaller grille, and distinctive styling.
The side view is when things start to get strange, but I think in a good manner. The thick C-pillar is completed in gloss black, and the glossy black body cladding that surrounds the front wheels almost reaches the rear wheels to give the car a two-tone appearance. The turn signals and reverse lights are likely located in light pods located low in the rear bumper that are added to the thin vertical LED taillights that reach all the way to the roof. The tailgate has some beautiful surface, and the rear hatch is somewhat slanted and has a big spoiler. Overall, I think the new Niro is rad as heck and blends in with Kia’s design aesthetic while still being recognizable.
The cabin has a lot of similarities to the new Sportage and the electric EV6 crossover. The dashboard’s angular form flows into the door panels, and the center infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster are integrated into one large display. The climate controls are a combination of physical knobs and touch buttons, and an electronic shifter in the shape of a dial is located on the center console with other controls. I adore the two-spoke steering wheel, thin air vents, stylish ambient lighting integrated into the dashboard, and other interior features. There are several environmentally friendly components utilized inside, including a headliner made from recycled wallpaper, chairs covered in eucalyptus-leaf fabric, and door panels painted with water-free paint.
No information on the engine was provided, but it wouldn’t surprise us if the hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle models used the same system as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Expect an electric motor and turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 engine; the PHEV will have a larger motor and battery pack for a greater EV range. The EV should also have a greater range than the 239-mile range of the present model. The Niro PHEV will have a Greenzone Drive Mode in eligible nations that, using navigation data, will automatically switch the vehicle into EV mode in green zones including hospitals, residential areas, and schools. It will also keep track of the driver’s preferred green zone locations.
The new Kia Niro will be offered in all three configurations beginning in 2019, with US-specific information to follow. It should have a slightly higher starting price than the departing Niro, somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000.
In This Article...
Who manufactures the Kia Niro EV battery?
The latest model of the Niro EV marks the first time that Kia has utilized battery cells from CATL; up to this point, Kia has only used cells from South Korean manufacturers. Cost is cited as the cause of the change.
The Korean publication Hankook Ilbo revealed this in relation to a manager for Kia. In accordance with the report, the battery pack of the latest generation of the all-electric Kia Niro employs NCM cells from the Chinese firm CATL and thus, for the first time, no cells from South Korea. It has an energy content of 64.8 kWh.
Evidently, the lower prices were a major factor in the decision to move from CATL to SK Innovation (now SK On) as the cell supplier for the Niro EV. mentioning a “The Kia management did not want to remark because it was a private situation.
According to the report, the price could not only be attributed to the economies of scale of the world’s largest battery manufacturer, but also to the cell chemistry used: While LGES and SK On had offered NCM811 cells with increased nickel content for higher energy density, the CATL cell was an older design with higher cobalt content; initially, Kia had planned to switch from SK On to LG Energy Solution.
“The CATL battery was selected in place of the domestic battery because it satisfied internal quality standards for (Kia) and the supply capacity was deemed enough.
There is reportedly rising anxiety in South Korea about Chinese cell manufacturers expanding there; some customers reportedly feel duped and appear to want to cancel their orders, the newspaper’s article states. In addition, “Hankook Ilbo is also flagging issues with the Chinese battery: “CATL, which mostly manufactures lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, has mass-produced NCM batteries in a car model for the first time. According to the study, this indicates that quality or safety have not been shown. But this is untrueNMC cells from CATL are used, among others, in the Mercedes EQE, Mercedes EQS, and BMW iX3.
Delivery of the Kia Niro EV’s second generation is anticipated to begin in July. Actually, there aren’t many differences between the drive and the previous generation: the battery capacity goes up slightly from 64 to 64.8 kWh, but the maximum charging power will stay at 75 kWh going forward. The 39 kWh compact battery option will no longer be offered.
What is the Kia Niro EV’s reliability?
Kia is a company whose reputation has been growing over the past several years. Its products, which were formerly associated with low-cost driving, now compete on an even playing field with the best that Europe has to offer. This is reflected in the brand’s second-place showing in our 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction poll.
Kia e-Niro reliability
In reality, the Kia Niro, on which the e-Niro is based, placed 15th overall in our study of 2021, with a number of positive comments from owners. The Niro’s electronic connectivity and entertainment system received the best possible grade, despite the fact that running costs, dependability, build quality, practicality and space, exterior design, fuel consumption, and running costs were all lauded before. Nevertheless, 11.9 percent of Niro owners reported at least one problem in the first year of ownership, despite the vehicle receiving a high dependability rating.
How long is the Kia Niro EV’s lifespan?
Battery Life, Charging, and Range According to Kia, the Niro EV will have a range of 253 miles on a single charge, which is a 14-mile improvement over the 239-mile range of its predecessor.
How much does a Kia Niro EV battery replacement cost?
Between $5,575 and $5,617 is the typical price range for a Kia Niro hybrid high voltage battery replacement. While parts are priced at $5,417, labor costs are anticipated to be between $158 and $200. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
A Kia electric car battery costs how much?
Estimated cost to replace the high voltage battery in a Kia Soul EV hybrid. The average cost to replace the high voltage battery in a Kia Soul EV hybrid is from $13,264 to $13,333. The cost of labor is expected to be between $264 and $333, while the cost of the parts is $13,000.
What country makes Kias?
Where are Kia automobiles made? While the majority of Kia’s production facilities are in South Korea, a few of the models you see here in the United States were made at North American factories.
Which issues does the Kia Niro have?
The braking system on the 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid is another model that has a flaw. Owners of Kia Niros vehicles occasionally felt no braking pedal pressure when applying the brakes. This has occasionally resulted in accidents.
An other frequent issue is a defective brake powertrain. The following powertrain problem has been confirmed by a few Kia Niro owners:
Even if it is in “park mode,” your automobile may roll back if you put it in park on a modest slope. Sometimes you have to hit the brakes to stop it from rolling back. The majority of Kia Niro owners claim to occasionally run into this issue.
Possible causes and solutions
What might be causing the brake system and powertrain is unclear. Furthermore, Kia hasn’t made any statements to refute or confirm the reports.
We advise returning it to the Kia dealer if you encounter any of those issues. They ought to examine your car to see if they can resolve the problems.
Set up a time to see your mechanic.
The issues will be examined by your mechanic. Don’t wait to take action if you notice any powertrain problems.
Transmission oil should be checked.
Every Kia owner should have the gearbox system frequently inspected for damage, according to Kia.
Verify your mileage.
It is essential to have your mechanic check or replace your transmission fluid as soon as you reach 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The frequency of your maintenance will depend on how you drive.
When driving your 2017 Kia, do not overbrake.
Transmission problems might be brought on by applying the brakes frequently or keeping your foot on the pedal.
Always keep in mind how important it is to have your brakes tested frequently. Use your engine braking system rather than your parking braking when driving on a mountainous terrain.
Are Kia EVs trustworthy?
The Kia Niro EV has earned Consumer Report’s top spot for dependability, making it a vehicle you can rely on. Although it costs $39,990, a little more than the competitors, it has a solid reputation for dependability and high-quality output. Although Kia used to be regarded as a cheap-car manufacturer, its models today successfully compete with well-established names.
The hatchback in this vehicle is a versatile all-electric model with a big cabin and simple controls. It features a 64 kWh battery that produces 201 horsepower across a 239-mile driving range, and the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, blowing past many other EVs.
A 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with integrated navigation, satellite radio, and other functions is also incorporated in the vehicle. Even while the vehicle isn’t very opulent, it has intelligent features like an interior climate control system that turns off when it senses an empty passenger seat, conserving battery over time.
Will the Kia Niro PHEV debut in 2022?
Pricing for the 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid The 2022 Niro PHEV lineup includes three trim levels, with the entry-level LXS model having an MSRP of $29,590 including destination fees. Just nearly $4,000 extra is spent on EX trim. Priced at $36,490, the top EX Premium trim.
What brand of electric vehicle does Consumer Reports suggest?
The greatest electric vehicle, according to Consumer Reports, is the 2022 Kia Niro Electric. The Niro EV received excellent ratings. With a strong performance, the Mustang Mach E placed second. The Tesla Model 3 came in fourth position at the same time.
The Kia Niro Electric won in every significant category, including expected dependability and customer happiness. The rating sheet is populated with 4/5s and 5/5s. The all-electric hatchback appears to have found the ideal combination of comfort and design while remaining understated and reasonably priced for the market. The Kia Niro EV is difficult to dismiss because of its outstanding range ratings, practicality, and long list of amenities.
EV batteries deteriorate, right?
According to Kelley Blue Book, EV batteries are just as prone to deteriorate over time as their smaller equivalents, resulting in poorer efficiency. But this issue isn’t as serious as you would believe. Battery University claims that EV makers place a higher priority on lengthy battery system life than high specific energy, allowing the EV batteries to last longer while still providing for users.
Studies by Recurrent, a business that investigates and monitors EV battery life, show an anticipated 5% decline in range from 50,000 to around 200,000 miles. In the first five years, capacity will therefore decline by 510%.
However, Geotab, a business that offers fleets web-based analytics, discovered that EV batteries lose roughly 2.3 percent of their energy capacity per year. They would be on course to outlive the vehicles they are placed in as a result.
Notably, there are guarantees for the various EV batteries, so if a battery is losing its capacity too quickly, you may get it changed or fixed. For the Tesla Model 3 RWD battery, for instance, Tesla provides a warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles, and will replace it if the capacity falls below 70 percent during this time.
On a full charge, how far can a Kia Niro travel?
With just one charge, the Kia Niro EV can travel up to 239 miles entirely on electricity. This range is made feasible by the 201 hp electric drive motor and 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery packs. Additionally, the EX and EX Premium grades share the same powertrain, so you can anticipate the same performance and range from any model.
Given that the typical American commute is just under 25 miles round trip, the Niro EV’s 239-mile range ought to be adequate to carry you through the full work week without having to plug in your car once, but don’t push it!