What is it?
You have to hand it to Kia. Operating from a separate building to the enthusiast radar not long ago, it recently put a competitive sports saloon into production and now threatens to break ground in more progressive fashion.
And how. While the rear-driven halo atop the Stinger GT-S still glows brightly here at Autocar, in a broader context there can be no doubt almost 300 miles of WLTP-certified electric range and an asking price close to £30,000 is more momentous.
That is what the new e-Niro crossover offers. Granted, it does not redefine the EV proposition in any singularly remarkable way. Sister brand Hyundai recently launched a version of the Kona with the same powertrain and for a similar price. The Tesla Model S is still a benchmark for range and will do 334 miles even in entry-level ‘75D’ form, while the excellent Nissan Leaf asks less of your finances than the newcomer.
But the Kona has a substantially smaller boot than the Kia, limiting its appeal as a practical family crossover. Similarly, you will pay £70,000 to join the Tesla troop and even in its second generation the Leaf requires cable action after just 168 miles. In light of this, the e-Niro is surely the Goldilocks option.
Built in right-hand drive and to generous ‘First Edition’ specification (including DAB radio, aerodynamic 17in alloys, plenty of leather trim within), the car tested here is the version British buyers will get, so ignore the South Korean numberplate. First deliveries are in April and the e-Niro will get the same seven-year warranty as the marque’s other models, and that includes for the battery back and electric motor.
And a quick note on that battery: Kia initially communicated the car's WLTP range as 301 miles. That figure, the brand now says, was the result of an incorrect testing methodolgy applied by an independent organisation. The urban portion of the test was disproportionately long, and because electric cars use less energy at lower speeds, the driving range duly improved. The official, correct range is 282 miles.
It's doubtful a marginally lower official range will deter many, if any, prospective buyers, and in any case the e-Niro is able to replenish its battery to 80% capacity in less than an hour using a 100kW source. Owners charging in more typical fashion – from a 7.2kW wallbox charger at home – can expect a full charge in roughly nine hours, says Kia. A 50kW charger – now found at many service stations – will get you to 80% in 75 minutes.
Join the debate
xxxx
Waiting list?
If it's anything like the Kona after initial pre-orders are filled expect a very, very long wait.
As to "but one statistic is nonetheless eye-opening..... battery of plug-in version one weighing 117kg, the low-mounted 64kWh pack in the e-Niro weighs 457kg" talk about lies damned lies and statistics. You forgot to mention the e-Niros ICE engine weighs 0 (Zero) grams as does the gearbox, a full tank of petrol, exhaust, petrol tank, plumbing, clutch etc.
Why not just list the e-Niros kerb weight and the plug-in versions weight?
Bob Cat Brian
xxxx wrote:
So often when comparing BEVs and ICE cars negatives of the BEVs are highlighted whilst the equivalent of the ICE is overlooked; weight of batteries in this case, ignoring weight of ICE engine saved, cradle to grave emissions for BEVs compared to basic running emissions for ICE, etc. Its infuriating and doesnt allow for an equal comparison.
You have to wonder whether its ignorance or willful by the writer, not just in this instance but professional journalists should be held to a higher standard than bloggers, youtubers and forum posters.
Einarbb
It really does weigh more than the alternate ICE variants
That it does weigh hundreds of kg. more -- affects it's handling and ride, as explained by reviewer. I don't think the review is unfair -- clearly despite the added weight, that car has ample compensationary qualities in this form. People just have to weigh themselves the pros and cons. Batteries are still immensely heavy. Simple truth.
Bob Cat Brian
Einarbb wrote:
I agree the additional weight, and its location within the vehicle, affects handling and ride, both negatively (additional weight to spring and damp) and positively (centre of gravity shifted lower and closer to centre of car).
My irritation stems from the lack of clear and accurate information when comparing BEV and ICE, especially when the same model is available as either so comparison is easy.
A quick google suggests the standard Niro weighs 1490kg, the PHEV 1594kg, the E 1737kg, so whilst its significantly heavier, its not even close to the four hundred and something additional kilograms the author implies.
The lack of accuracy and (deliberate?) misinformation when comparing BEV and ICE makes debate on the pros and cons an emotional one, when it could and should largely be a rational one. Currently BEVs don't work for every person in every scenario, but there are some they will suit perfectly.
xxxx
It really does weigh more than the alternate ICE variants!
And no one disputes that.
Batteries and electric motors are heavy but then so is what they replace.
Leslie Brook
xxxx wrote:
The Battery does no replace the ICE and gearbox, it replaces the fuel tank. The Electric Motors replace the ICE and transmission and some pretty hefty high current capacity wiring replaces the plumbing.
xxxx
And the rest
Yep but does an electric motor weigh as much as an ICE engine, at least one turbo, clutch, gearbox, exhaust, diff, plumping etc. Basically we need to know the difference in weights not how much the battery weighs
Einarbb
Appears most electric cars have one motor per driven wheel
While it certainly would be possible to engineer electric car with single engine, transmission and gearbox -- so far electric cars appear not be built in that manner, rather the choice being made to do away with gearbox even drive mechanism, and utilize instead - motor for each driven wheel - software handling the necessary tuning of power between wheels. That means motors appear either be two either at the rear ot at the front, or four. So ICE engine is either replaced with two electric motors or up to four.
jason_recliner
xxxx wrote:
It's easy to compare the masses of the petrol and electric versions of this car. The electric version is much, much heavier.
xxxx
Forgot to mention
Fantastic car in everyway. So if you're lucky enough to get one please enjoy it!
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