What's the news?
Kia has confirmed that its fully-electric e-Niro crossover - a development of the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models - will have a driving range of up to 485km when it goes on sale at the end of the year.
That singularly impressive number is achieved under the stricter WLTP emissions regs, too, so the e-Niro - Kia's first full EV crossover utility vehicle - should be a strong contender for those who wish to go 'zero emissions'.
It uses the same 64kWh lithium-ion battery and 204hp/395Nm electric drivetrain as the closely related Hyundai Kona Electric, but can claim an additional 3km of range over its Korean stablemate. Furthermore, Kia says it could go up to 615km if driven purely in city conditions, as that's the number WLTP has elicited on urban test cycles.
Kia will offer the e-Niro with a lesser 39.2kWh power pack too, which is said to do up to 312km on a full charge (WLTP). However, as the 64kWh only takes 54 minutes to charge on a 100kW fast charger, it makes sense to go for the long-range crossover EV.
The Korean manufacturer has enjoyed some success with its part-electric Niro models so far, as more than 200,000 units have been sold globally since their introduction in 2016. Europe has taken more than 65,000 Niro Hybrids and PHEVs in that time.
The 204hp 64kWh e-Niro will be able to run 0-100km/h in just 7.8 seconds, according to Kia, while the 136hp 39.2kWh version achieves the same sprint in a still-respectable 9.8 seconds. All variants of the e-Niro, like the Hybrid and PHEV models, will be front-wheel drive.
Technologies that will help e-Niro owners make the most of their volts will include regenerative braking, Coasting Guide Control (CGC) and Predictive Energy Control (PEC). The e-Niro will be covered by the same seven-year, 150,000km warranty as used on Kia's regular vehicles Europe-wide, with the warranty taking the battery pack and electric motor into account.
Anything else?
Kia will show off the e-Niro in European specification at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, ahead of sales commencing at the end of the year.