Video Summary
- In 2020, the Kia e-Niro was the fourth best-selling electric car in the Netherlands.- Its popularity is due to a fair range for a relatively competitive price.
- Kia will release a new version that is cheaper by a few thousand euros, but offers less range.
- The Hyundai Kona Electric is nearly the same car under the skin and both are made in the same factory.
- These are very efficient electric cars, needing smaller battery packs to travel a similar distance as competing cars.
- A smaller battery pack is cheaper, therefore the Koreans can provide a sharp price point for the electric car.
- The tested Niro has a 39 kWh battery pack, versus the previous 64 kWh; this change reduces the car's price by $3,000 euros.
- This e-Niro version has a starting price of just under 36,000 euros.
- The 64 kWh version can go 455 kilometers on a full charge, while this car can go 289 kilometers.
- This Kia is efficient and comes close to these specified numbers. The test video was recorded in winter, in 5-degree weather, which is not ideal for electric cars.
- The 64 kW Niro is capable of three-phase AC charging up to 11 kW; for example, at home with a wall box or at a public charging station.
- The car can fast charge similarly as the 64 kW version, up to 100 kW. When you do it quickly, then the battery is full from 10-60% in 26 minutes.
- Besides the smaller battery, the cheaper Niro has a decreased motor performance: it has 136 PK versus the 204 PK.
- There is no front storage space (frunk). The electric motor is under the hood.
- The car does not have a front storage space (frunk).
- The electric motor is under a plastic shell.
- At 136 PK, the car is fast enough and pulls nicely when you touch the pedal.
- There is a 10-inch screen in the middle that responds quickly. Apple CarPlay and Android auto are on the system. It is always connected to the internet with a SIM card.
- You can check the car's status with the Kia app.
- There are flippers behind the steering wheel.
- Flippers are used for energy recovery.
- It is about 150kg lighter than the other version.
- The higher speed range takes a little longer. There is wind noise that you don’t find on expensive models.
- The rear seats are comfortable.
- It has hooks for hanging items and lights for the dark.
