2019 Kia Niro EV Deemed By Oakland Press as “Quick, Powerful, and Enjoyable”

A feature in the Oakland Press last week began with the claim that “electric vehicles will eventually be coming to a mass audience, it's just a matter of how fast they get there”. In this seemingly preliminary stage of the game, the automakers are now making their claim on this ripe territory, and Kia has jumped head-in to the line of competition with the 2019 Kia Niro EV, a fully-electric version of the Niro crossover, still offered as a hybrid. This particular news story set out to see just how the Niro EV holds up in the EV battlefield, and its 239-mile range, high-tech features, and roomy interior are all great attributes in its favor. 

Even in the rear seats, the Niro EV beat out the competition such as the Hyundai Kona EV as far as roominess, and five people can be seated comfortably. You'll enjoy 18.5 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, 53 cubic feet after rear seats are folded down. Due to the nature of the Niro's overall crossover styling, taller passengers will still be able to be comfortable, and the infotainment system is simple and straightforward to use. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis how upgrading to the Premium trim level adds interior lighting, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, an upgraded sound system and leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and 8-inch infotainment screen with navigation as well. 

The range of the car is one of the most important factors for anyone looking into electric: knowing how much distance you have before needing to recharge is important for the ability to plan your routine. When fully charged, the maximum mileage of the 2019 Kia Niro EV is 239 miles, which is 13 more than the close rival in the form of the Nissan Leaf. We are fully aware that one of the things that will have to happen for a broader acceptance is the creation of infrastructure that allows for charging stations in place around the country, as this is what makes the road trip more feasible. 

If you're at home and deriving juice from a 220-volt wall socket, the Niro's onboard charger can fill up the battery in about 9.5 hours, a sensible number when it comes to getting the job done while you sleep at night. You can also easily adjust the level of the Niro EV's regenerative braking, which sends some of the braking energy to aid in the recharging of the battery during the drive. The Launch package features auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink buttons, LED headlights, heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors, and Niro vehicles sold in colder climate areas come with a heat pump and battery heater to help with weathering the elements!