This week in South Korea, The Busan International Motor Show was a bustling hive of various high-tech activity and product demonstrations. Here the very latest in passenger cars, motorcycles, automobile parts, and commercial cars are all on display for consumers and business owners to eagerly see what trends and modifications are on tap for the coming year. The Kia Niro EV made its first appearance here, this week, and it was officially confirmed that the car will offer a battery with up to 236 miles of range. In January, a concept version of the car was shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, detailing tail light and trim details. It then appeared in Korea during an electric vehicle expo, touting two new battery options including a larger 64-kWh pack, currently expected to be the only one sold in the United States.
It will offer 100-kw DC fast charging, which can rejuvenate the battery's level all of the way to 80 percent in less than one hour. In other markets, the Niro EV is slated to offer a 39.2 kwh battery pack, rated at an overall finishing distance of 150 miles. A 201-horsepower electric motor will have the duty of driving the front wheels, and allows for a 0-62 mph trot in 7.8 seconds. The 7.0-inch touchscreen has the benefit of specific pages that monitor overall range, driving efficiency, charging opportunities, and control the climate.
The first thing that many will notice right when you enter the efficient and Eco-friendly Niro is the all-digital instrument cluster: it is unique to the Niro EV. You'll have the option to add equipment such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and active lane control. The characteristic blue accents and rotary shifter are all found in the electric version of the Niro only as well, and the car is set to go on sale in Korea late this year. Some of the big news for the 2018 Niro was that the touring model now comes standard with HID headlights, forward collision warning system, a lane keep assist system, autonomous emergency braking, and the ever-useful wireless phone charger.
Two years ago, Motortrend said of that Niro model that they praised it for its “non- hybrid looks, smooth-shifting six-speed dual clutch, and flat-folding rear seats”. Also giving the Niro high marks for above-average regenerative braking, the Niro has always been a good choice for anyone driving Uber or Lyft as an income opportunity. We are witnessing a very dramatic shift towards sustainability in the power category, and are amazed at the progression that has taken place from hybrid vehicles to a future of purely-battery generated power. We invite you to come down to Jim Butler Kia of St Louis with any questions you may have: the Niro EV is slated for release here during the latest quarter of the year.