Kia Niro – Mild Hybrid, Plug-In or Full Electric?

The launch of the Kia Niro small SUV with a choice of three electric powertrains, raises customer options based on fit-for-purpose.

2021 Kia Niro Electric front qtr The hybrid helps reduces but does not minimise fuel consumption. A full electric is a commitment to reducing pollution particularly at the local level.

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A plug-in hybrid could be the best of both worlds for people who do occasional long trips.

2021 Kia Niro Electric interior

But Kia predicts that the plug-in hybrid will be the smallest seller as Roland Rivero their product manager notes

All a lot of it will be supply driven. And currently the minimum quantity that we’ve we’ve got agreed with KIA headquarters is about 100 a month. And that breakdown works out to be around about 20 units a month for the EV and about 70 units a month for the hybrid. And the gap 10, ten or so units a month is obviously the Plug-In hybrid.

2021 Kia Niro Electric profile

What’s good

  • Choice of three engines
  • Range
  • Fast charging ability

What’s not

2021 Kia Niro Electric charger

Also Look At

2021 Kia Niro Electric engine

Model   

2021 KIA NIRO EV

Model Price $70,990 MLP*
Engine Electric
Drivetrain FWD One Speed reduction gear
Power 150kW@ 3,800 – 8,000 RPM
Torque 395 Nm @ 0 – 3,600 RPM
Safety TBA ANCAP
Range / Charging time 455km WLTP / 80% charge in 53mins with 100kw DC charger
0-100kmh / to[ speed 6.8 sec / 167 kmh
Servicing TBA
Warranty 7yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. roadside assist conditional

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

2021 Kia Niro Electric grill

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Summary

The launch of the Kia Niro small SUV with a choice of three electric powertrains, raises customer options based on fit-for-purpose.

The hybrid helps reduces but does not minimise fuel consumption. A full electric is a commitment to reducing pollution particularly at the local level.