At the 2019 Los Angeles auto show, Kia introduced two new electrified models, the 2019 Niro EV and the 2020 Soul EV. Both electric vehicles use the same liquid-cooled 64-kWh lithium-ion battery found on the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV along with a 201-hp electric motor with 291 lb-ft of torque and standard Level 3 fast charging.
The 2019 Kia Niro EV can replenish 100 miles of range in 30 minutes or 80 percent of its battery charge in 75 minutes. A Level 2 7.2-kWh charger will charge the battery in full from empty in 9.5 hours. The vehicles’ batteries are mounted under the passenger cabin’s floor, lowering the center of gravity. To help maximize range, the regenerative braking system’s strength can be altered by selecting levels 0 to 3 on paddle shifters, the latter level allowing for one-pedal driving. Kia has yet to release charging times for the 2020 Soul EV, but considering it uses the same battery as the Niro EV, it will likely take the same time.
Four drive modes are available: Eco, Eco+, Normal, and Sport. They alter everything from regenerative braking to climate control settings. The regenerative braking system also adjusts its strength based on the car ahead to smooth out your stops. There’s also the Eco Pedal Guide, which tells the driver how much energy is being used based on accelerator inputs.
The 2019 Kia Niro EV has unique design cues that distinguish it from the standard hybrid and the plug-in model. The grille, for instance, is closed off, and the charging port is hidden there instead. Front and rear fascias have blue accent strips, and the headlight clusters have a specific pattern exclusive to the all-electric Niro. Even the standard 17-inch alloy wheels are unique and designed for minimal drag. Inside, the 2019 Niro EV has a rotary shifter and optional mood lighting with multiple color choices. The center console has more storage options and there are blue highlights on the seats. Like every Kia model, the 2019 Niro EV is generously equipped and comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Drive Wise suite of active driver assistance features will also be offered.
For those in search of an electric vehicle with character, the 2020 Kia Soul EV has you covered. Like the gas-powered Soul, the all-electric model gets new available tech like a 10.3-inch touchscreen, Kia’s Drive Wise active driver assistance suite, LED headlights, and 17-inch wheels exclusive to the EV model. An independent rear suspension comes standard on the 2020 Soul EV for improved ride and handling. As with the previous generation model, the 2020 Soul EV will be available with two-tone exterior colors.
Range estimates are currently unavailable for the 2020 Kia Soul, but it’s likely that it will have similar capabilities as its cousin, the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV. The 2019 Kia Niro EV, on the other hand, has an expected range of around 239 miles on a single charge, which is less than the Kona EV’s 258 miles and around the same as the Chevrolet Bolt’s 238 miles. Both vehicles will go on sale next year.
Source: Kia
The post Kia Introduces 2019 Niro EV, 2020 Soul EV in Los Angeles appeared first on Motor Trend.
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