Kia Niro electric vehicles: Your news and views please

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Kia Niro electric vehicles: Your news and views please

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#248727 7-Apr-2019 18:09

https://www.kia.co.nz/vehicles/niro-ev/

The above page gives details of the "pure electric" 2019 Kia Niro EV EX 289 (maximum range 289 kilometres) and the 2019 Kia Niro EV EX 455 (maximum range 455 kilometres).

The EX 289 retails for $67,990 + ORC and the EX 455 for $73,990 + ORC.

These vehicles are similar to the related Hyundai Kona EVs, but are a little larger and have a length of 4375mm compared with the Kona, which is 4165 mm long.

So, I got on the phone and talked to my friendly Kia dealer who said that neither of the above vehicles was currently in stock anywhere in NZ, but he encouraged me to put in an order so that I would be in the already long queue.

Hyundai Kona owners will be very familiar with this “delivery delay” situation, which simply isn’t getting any better and (IMHO) is hindering the uptake of EVs in New Zealand. Also, the lack of a buyer’s EV incentive, although this was promised months ago by James Shaw, is also making people hesitate to buy new EVs.

I asked when I could expect delivery of my Kia Niro EV and he said it would probably be in about 6 – 12 months’ time, but because of high worldwide demand, it could take longer than this!

He then suggested that if I needed an EV quicker than this, I should consider the Niro plug-in hybrid, which might only have a delivery delay of 3 months.

I’m quite surprised that the higher range Niro (455km) retails for only $6,000 more than the lower range Niro version (289km), so I guess most people would order the EX 455. The additional maximum range of 166km of the EX 455 is certainly worth an extra $6,000 don’t you think?

I would be interested if you could post in this thread what you think of these vehicles and whether you think they are a better buy than the related Hyundai Kona pure electric vehicles.

1 | 2

6010 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2212493 7-Apr-2019 22:59

Wow, is that right, the phev is $39k, the bev, starting at $68. Or was that the ice cost? That’s what hindering the sales.

Previously known as psycik

Home Assistant: Gigabyte AMD A8 Brix, Home Assistant with Aeotech ZWave Controller, Raspberry PI, Wemos D1 Mini, Zwave, Shelly Humidity and Temperature sensors
Media:Chromecast v2, ATV4 4k, ATV4, HDHomeRun Dual
Server Host Plex Server 3x3TB, 4x4TB using MergerFS, Samsung 850 evo 512 GB SSD, Proxmox Server with 1xW10, 2xUbuntu 22.04 LTS, Backblaze Backups, usenetprime.com fastmail.com Sharesies Trakt.TV Sharesight

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

tanivula

991 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2212513 8-Apr-2019 06:26

davidcole: Wow, is that right, the phev is $39k, the bev, starting at $68. Or was that the ice cost? That’s what hindering the sales.

PHEV is $55990 on the website, it's the normal base hybrid which is $39k.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2212555 8-Apr-2019 08:29

tanivula:
davidcole: Wow, is that right, the phev is $39k, the bev, starting at $68. Or was that the ice cost? That’s what hindering the sales.

PHEV is $55990 on the website, it's the normal base hybrid which is $39k.

https://kia.co.nz/vehicles/niro/range-and-specifications/

Yes, the price of the Kia Niro Plug-In LTD is $55,990 and I think it’s a good option for people who want to own just one vehicle that gives peace of mind for range on longer trips and which also allows you to have a “pure electric” range of up to 55km, which is great for all your short around-town trips.

When looking at the downloadable Kia Niro PDF brochure, I see that the PHEV only has a 5-inch screen (usually 7 inches) and that it appears to have no navigation at all (that is, no built-in Sat-Nav and no Android Auto or Apple Car Play). However, this would need to be confirmed with a dealer as it’s very unusual for an expensive car to come without any NAV these days!

Also, the PHEV (and the pure electric models) don’t have a spare wheel, presumably to give more storage space for other items and keep the weight of the vehicle down.

So, if you can afford to own two vehicles, I would go for one petrol vehicle and the 455km range Niro EV, but the price (and lack of Govt. EV purchase incentives) and wait time for the latter vehicle are potential deal breakers at the moment!

wellygary

8199 posts

Uber Geek

#2212672 8-Apr-2019 10:13

frednz:

Hyundai Kona owners will be very familiar with this “delivery delay” situation, which simply isn’t getting any better and (IMHO) is hindering the uptake of EVs in New Zealand. Also, the lack of a buyer’s EV incentive, although this was promised months ago by James Shaw, is also making people hesitate to buy new EVs.

I asked when I could expect delivery of my Kia Niro EV and he said it would probably be in about 6 – 12 months’ time, but because of high worldwide demand, it could take longer than this!

To be honest, I am not sure that the Government giving new EV buyers a $10K cash subsidy would make getting Kia or Hyundai EVs in NZ any faster.... They appear to be have such limited production runs....

All that would happen is people would go an buy a Leaf. or Model3 (once RHD are available).... but to be honest even $10K would probably not change the economics enough to stop people continuing to buy 2nd hand leafs in great number...

davidcole

6010 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2212674 8-Apr-2019 10:18

wellygary:

frednz:

Hyundai Kona owners will be very familiar with this “delivery delay” situation, which simply isn’t getting any better and (IMHO) is hindering the uptake of EVs in New Zealand. Also, the lack of a buyer’s EV incentive, although this was promised months ago by James Shaw, is also making people hesitate to buy new EVs.

I asked when I could expect delivery of my Kia Niro EV and he said it would probably be in about 6 – 12 months’ time, but because of high worldwide demand, it could take longer than this!

To be honest, I am not sure that the Government giving new EV buyers a $10K cash subsidy would make getting Kia or Hyundai EVs in NZ any faster.... They appear to be have such limited production runs....

All that would happen is people would go an buy a Leaf. or Model3 (once RHD are available).... but to be honest even $10K would probably not change the economics enough to stop people continuing to buy 2nd hand leafs in great number...

Yeah I just had Robert Llewellyn complaining/conspiracy theorising about the same thing for the Hyundai Kona.

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2212756 8-Apr-2019 12:13

Giving 10k subsidies would piss off a number of nzers and I fear childish responses.

Expand the stupid "work vehicle" ute fringe benefit exception to include new fully electric cars so companies start looking at fleet purchases.

Delphinus

611 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2213007 8-Apr-2019 15:51

frednz: So, if you can afford to own two vehicles, I would go for one petrol vehicle and the 455km range Niro EV

You're not seriously saying that 455km range requires a second vehicle? You would need more food/comfort/rest breaks than an EV with a 455kms range requires charging.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2213113 8-Apr-2019 17:39

Delphinus:
frednz: So, if you can afford to own two vehicles, I would go for one petrol vehicle and the 455km range Niro EV
You're not seriously saying that 455km range requires a second vehicle? You would need more food/comfort/rest breaks than an EV with a 455kms range requires charging.

I think you need to keep in mind that, when you're away from home and using fast chargers, you're going to be charging up to 80% which gives a range of 364km. Now, build into that a safety margin of say at least 30km, then your "workable" range is reduced to 334 km. But that's pretty good I agree provided that there are plenty of fast chargers available that are unoccupied and compatible with your vehicle and also in working condition!

OK, well how about the 289km model, 80% of that is 231km less the safety margin of 30km, which gives a workable range of around 200km. Would you be happy to own this as your sole car?

And of course, the 289km and 455km ranges are the "best" ranges you can expect, so I'm not sure you can expect to achieve these optimum ranges all the time, particularly in Winter when you need to heat the vehicle etc. etc.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2213119 8-Apr-2019 17:46

afe66: Giving 10k subsidies would piss off a number of nzers and I fear childish responses.

Expand the stupid "work vehicle" ute fringe benefit exception to include new fully electric cars so companies start looking at fleet purchases.

Who cares about people who don't understand the "environmental" need for as many people as possible to buy new EVs so these can later be handed down and become more affordable to people who don't want to pay more than say, $20,000 - $30,000 for an EV. The supply situation is so sparse in NZ at the moment that I don't know how it's possible to buy fleets of EVs, is this really practical at the moment?

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2213127 8-Apr-2019 18:07

There has been a lot of discussion on the Geekzone Hyundai Kona thread about the lack of built-in SD card navigation on the EV Konas that have been delivered in NZ so far (apparently Irish specd).

It looks like the Kia Niro EVs only have Android Auto or Apple Car play, so perhaps someone might confirm that the Niros don't have built-in SD navigation.

Justin, if you come across this thread, I would be interested in your views on the Kia Niro EVs as I think you mentioned that you have had a look at one. How do they compare with the Konas, which do you prefer?

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2213137 8-Apr-2019 18:40

frednz:
afe66: Giving 10k subsidies would piss off a number of nzers and I fear childish responses.

Expand the stupid "work vehicle" ute fringe benefit exception to include new fully electric cars so companies start looking at fleet purchases.

Who cares about people who don't understand the "environmental" need for as many people as possible to buy new EVs so these can later be handed down and become more affordable to people who don't want to pay more than say, $20,000 - $30,000 for an EV. The supply situation is so sparse in NZ at the moment that I don't know how it's possible to buy fleets of EVs, is this really practical at the moment?

I get there is a shortage of ev available.

But essentially giving individual 10k to splash out in personal cars wont fly in nz. Companies getting tax perks is more acceptable to the general public.

If big companies approach say Nissan nz and say we want 20 leaf here and other 20 leafs there, then nissan may well start importing them.

Doesn't ultimate solve where there is world wide ev shortage but it's a pro ev pro business policy which may result in more ev in nz.

We are never going to see the huge incentives for ev that you see overseas. We are too poor a country and giving such handouts to individuals just wont work here and we should stop expecting it.

Look for other methods of increasing ev up take.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2213236 8-Apr-2019 20:08

afe66:
frednz:

afe66: Giving 10k subsidies would piss off a number of nzers and I fear childish responses.

Expand the stupid "work vehicle" ute fringe benefit exception to include new fully electric cars so companies start looking at fleet purchases.

Who cares about people who don't understand the "environmental" need for as many people as possible to buy new EVs so these can later be handed down and become more affordable to people who don't want to pay more than say, $20,000 - $30,000 for an EV. The supply situation is so sparse in NZ at the moment that I don't know how it's possible to buy fleets of EVs, is this really practical at the moment?

I get there is a shortage of ev available.

But essentially giving individual 10k to splash out in personal cars wont fly in nz. Companies getting tax perks is more acceptable to the general public.

If big companies approach say Nissan nz and say we want 20 leaf here and other 20 leafs there, then nissan may well start importing them.

Doesn't ultimate solve where there is world wide ev shortage but it's a pro ev pro business policy which may result in more ev in nz.

We are never going to see the huge incentives for ev that you see overseas. We are too poor a country and giving such handouts to individuals just wont work here and we should stop expecting it.

Look for other methods of increasing ev up take.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/government-promises-decent-incentives-for-electric-cars.html

From the above:

The Government will soon offer incentives to New Zealanders looking to purchase electric vehicles, to move people away from traditional cars that burn fossil fuels.

"What we're trying to do is get a package that incentivises your middle class people to be able to do that, but also ensures that low income families aren't left behind," Climate Change Minister James Shaw told The AM Show.

Now the above quote was given in this thread in September 2018, and earlier this year, James Shaw repeated his assurance that the Government is actively looking into decent EV incentives. So, I thought the decision had been made that EV incentives were coming soon!

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2213243 8-Apr-2019 20:21

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2019-Kia-Niro-EV-Overview-c28933?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=tdr

The above review of the Kia Niro EV is largely positive except that the reviewer thinks it's a dull-looking vehicle:

This car erases what little excitement there was on the regular Niro Hybrid, such as the swooshy 18-inch wheels, and the contrasting rear skid plate and trim flowing around the license plate. Minimalism is one thing, but dowdiness is another. The flat 17-inch wheels, formless silhouette, and cheap-looking bumper cutouts aren’t offset by the teal accents, the arrow-shaped LED running lamps, or the solid grille, each of which are unique to the EV.

Kia makes $40,000 cars that are flat-out "wow" (the Stinger sedan) or utterly handsome (Telluride SUV), so the Niro’s design is disappointing. Compared to the visual excitement pouring from Kia’s other economy cars and crossovers (Soul, Forte, Sportage), it’s unacceptable.

On the more positive side, the article mentions that:

The steering feel is accurate and the brakes feel natural, without the artificial regenerative sensations I felt in the Jaguar I-Pace. The Niro EV is also really smart with regen braking. Holding the right steering wheel paddle will activate an auto mode where the car’s radar sensors pace the vehicle in front. It will slow the car down for you and increase braking gradually until you apply the brake pedal. Or you can choose one of three regen modes that vary from light to aggressive one-pedal driving, where you almost never touch the brakes. You can also shut it off entirely to coast. This is intuitive and very useful. While the ride is cushy, the minimal grip and excessive body roll convinced me the Niro EV does not like to be hustled on tight roads. For everyday driving, it’s great. But like the car’s exterior style, you won’t find much sportiness behind the wheel.

I'm not sure how this would compare with the EV Hyundai Kona, but they are quite similar in several ways.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2214673 10-Apr-2019 21:32

frednz:

There has been a lot of discussion on the Geekzone Hyundai Kona thread about the lack of built-in SD card navigation on the EV Konas that have been delivered in NZ so far (apparently Irish specd).

It looks like the Kia Niro EVs only have Android Auto or Apple Car play, so perhaps someone might confirm that the Niros don't have built-in SD navigation.

Justin, if you come across this thread, I would be interested in your views on the Kia Niro EVs as I think you mentioned that you have had a look at one. How do they compare with the Konas, which do you prefer?

I confirmed with a dealer that Niro EVs don't have built-in navigation. A few other luxuries that you might have expected also aren't present. For example, there are no heated seats or heated steering wheel, the seats are composite leather + cloth (not full leather), and there is no wireless charging for your phone. And you'll also have to put up with your "turn indicator stalk" being located on the left side of the steering wheel.

But, to get 455km of pure electric range is the reason you buy this vehicle, not to get a whole lot of nice extras which you can often get in expensive (or even not so expensive) petrol vehicles. Nevertheless, the Kia Niro EVs have a lot of nice features designed to make driving easier, as set out in the specifications.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could get all this for around $40,000 - $50,000 instead of $75,000! Can you really justify paying such a high price just to own an EV?

Delphinus

611 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2214714 10-Apr-2019 23:06

frednz:

Delphinus:
frednz: So, if you can afford to own two vehicles, I would go for one petrol vehicle and the 455km range Niro EV
You're not seriously saying that 455km range requires a second vehicle? You would need more food/comfort/rest breaks than an EV with a 455kms range requires charging.

I think you need to keep in mind that, when you're away from home and using fast chargers, you're going to be charging up to 80% which gives a range of 364km. Now, build into that a safety margin of say at least 30km, then your "workable" range is reduced to 334 km. But that's pretty good I agree provided that there are plenty of fast chargers available that are unoccupied and compatible with your vehicle and also in working condition!

OK, well how about the 289km model, 80% of that is 231km less the safety margin of 30km, which gives a workable range of around 200km. Would you be happy to own this as your sole car?

And of course, the 289km and 455km ranges are the "best" ranges you can expect, so I'm not sure you can expect to achieve these optimum ranges all the time, particularly in Winter when you need to heat the vehicle etc. etc.

You'd leave home on 100% charge, so that's 455kms. Then stop for a break/food somewhere and top-up to 80%. If you timed that when you got to 5% that's after you've done 430kms. 80% battery so range is back up 364km. You can now do 794kms with a single charge in the middle. That's 100kms more than Dunedin to Picton (697kms), or Auckland to Wellington (644km). I'm not sure I'd be keen to do that much driving (9 hours) and only stop once.

And yes I'd be happy to drive a 298km model as my sole car. That's 500kms with a charge in the middle while stopping for food. Again I'd be stopping more than that anyway for rests.

1 | 2