The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Kia Niro PHEV SUV

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Kia Corporation, the South Korean automotive manufacturer is fast developing a portfolio of lower emission ‘eco’ vehicles, to include zero-emission battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The BEVs and PHEVs range includes:

• The all-electric Kia Niro EV
• The all-electric Kia Soul EV
• The all-electric Kia EV6
• The all-electric Kia EV9
• Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia XCeed Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia Ceed Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid
• The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro concept car was first shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Kia Niro compact SUV has been manufactured since 2016. The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has been available since 2017.

The latest updates to the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is a welcome improvement for this relatively more affordable PHEV. Kia has increased the EV battery size and the pure electric range, and reduced the tailpipe emissions. The updated Niro PHEV has a 11.1 kWh onboard EV battery with a zero-emission electric range up to 62 km. The previous model had a 48 km EV range. The improved tailpipe emissions (23g CO2/km) also helps reduce the local air pollution.

Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower than the manufacturer quoted range, but the Niro plug-in electric car should be able to deliver up to 55 km. This is certainly a useful range, given that the majority of our day-to-day trips are less than 25 km i.e. school-runs, visit to the local high street, grocery store etc. And for shorter motorway commutes, the 62 km e-range could help lower motorway motoring costs.

Driving the PHEV on the e-mode will be far cheaper compared to using the petrol internal combustion engine. We at e–zoomed encourage charging the electric car overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. The electric vehicle (EV) has a 3.3 kW onboard charger and does not offer DC charging. The Kia PHEV will take up to 3 hours to fully charge.

We also recommend topping up the EV battery on a regular basis. Without keeping the EV battery charged, gaining from electric driving will be a challenge. Do keep in mind that the more often the pure electric mode is used, the better the efficiency of the electric vehicle i.e. improved fuel economy and lower motoring costs.

The Niro PHEV has a claimed fuel economy up to 0.9 l/100km. The real-world fuel economy will be less efficient, but better than the conventional combustion engine variant, if the e-mode in the PHEV is used on a regular basis!

The front-wheel drive Kia Niro plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The performance of the compact SUV will not win the Formula One, but it gets the job done. The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed up to 161 km/h (maximum power: 180 bhp).

The EV offers a decent level of standard features and technology. In terms of practicality, despite the compact size, the PHEV does offer ample legroom and headroom for adults seated at the rear. However, the boot space (348 L) has been impacted due to the placement of the EV battery.

For those keen to gain experience in electric driving without committing to a pure electric car, the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is worth consideration. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

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PROS	CONS
Improved exterior styling	Driving is not inspiring
Low tailpipe emissions	Small boot
Decent electric range	On board charger limited to 3.3 kW

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The Kia Niro PHEV SUV (credit: Kia)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Kia Niro PHEV (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 11.1 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.3 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2hrs 55 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	23g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	7 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1545
Width (mm):	1805
Length (mm):	4355
Wheelbase (mm):	2700
Turning Circle (m):	N/A
Boot Space (L):	348

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1.6 GDi PHEV
EV Battery Capacity:	11.1 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	62 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	N/A
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	0.9
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.3 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2hrs 55 mins)
Top Speed:	161 km/h
0-100 km/h:	9.6 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (bhp):	180
Torque (Nm):	265
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,610
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India.

Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).

In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars. MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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