As innovation, artificial intelligence, and many other facets of car technology evolve at a breakneck pace, hybrids and electric cars have really moved from the background to a front-and-center position on the stage. The 2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is Kia's third plug-in model, and was on display last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It offers up the same crossover functions and fun driving experience as previous models, along with an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range. As consumers are becoming more and more aware of the perils that the planet faces in terms of green energy and consumption, some are now leaning towards electric power for their vehicle choice. This is a startlingly efficient new vehicle that takes massive strides in helping drivers consumer less gasoline, and while in all-electric mode, produces zero emissions.
Here in St Louis and in other large cities across the nation where emissions have been under close scrutiny for decades now, a car with zero emissions has been coveted for quite some time. The rating of the total driving range is 560 miles, and the offering of extreme versatility in driving experience is going to be a major selling point. With the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, you are tapping into the potential to have it all: pure EV driving on the daily, as well as the ability to take long road trips. This is the vehicle that heftily represents the next step to nearly tripling the brand's global selection of alternative vehicles within the next three years, including the Niro, Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV, and the Soul EV.
The Niro matches up an all-aluminum and efficient 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. Along with a powerful 60-HP electric motor, this is the perfect formula for driving range under the guise of electric power, as well as optimum fuel efficiency. Increased high-voltage battery capacity and output are two key ingredients that have helped the Niro Plug-in Hybrid have a very efficient, low emissions crossover, while successfully touting a 105 MPG rating. The single battery charging port is located in the driver's front side fender, and a full charge is complete in around 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, or in just under 9 hours via a Level 1 charger.
The very lightweight structure of the Niro Plug-in utilizes over 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel. The structure is improved greatly by the use of hot-stamped steel components, and the car has been heavily targeted to earn top honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new Niro PHEV seats five, and you can ask us here on the lot at Jim Butler how the different trim levels improve your experience: LX, EX, and Premium are the slated options. You'll enjoy driver assistance technologies such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, and forward collision warning to assure your drive is the absolute safest it can be.
With UVO eco, you can remotely monitor and charge your battery, setup and alter the schedule, preset temperature, turn on features like window defrosters, heat the steering wheel, and lock or unlock the doors to get ready to roll. If you're parked at a large event or something unfortunate happens, you can also see where the vehicle is from a smartphone or other web-enabled device. Take a close look at what the new Niro Plug-in could do for your daily driving routine, and marvel at the fact that our entire ability to protect the environment will be drastically improved during the days to come.
