Kia Niro EV arrives early 2019

The Kia Niro EV is due here early next year.

And the all-electric version of the Kia Niro SUV is expected to have a 380km range.

Kia New Zealand has confirmed interest in bringing the new Niro EV into New Zealand early next year.

Following the successful introduction of the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models locally in March, Kia Motors New Zealand says there is strong anticipation for the EV version.

“The acceptance of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro models by New Zealand buyers has been exceptional,” Kia Motors New Zealand general manager Todd McDonald says.

“It has proved to us that there is a place in the regular market for a well-designed SUV that delivers astonishingly low fuel consumption. With petrol prices set to jump as a result of the incoming fuel taxes there is every expectation that demand will continue to climb for all variants of Niro.”

Kia describes the Niro EV as a sporty and versatile vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design and functionality, while adding a new dimension to the eco-friendly compact SUV market.

It’s powered by Kia’s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies developed for Kia electric vehicles. Equipped with a high-capacity 64kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV is targeting a zero-emission range of over 380km on a single charge, or up to 240km when paired with an optional 39.2kWh battery system.

Kia will introduce the Niro EV to its home market in Korea during the second half of 2018, with other markets, including New Zealand, to follow in 2019.