2021 Kia e-Niro UK Version

Created at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the e-Niro incorporates the practicality and appeal of a crossover in a sleek, aerodynamic body with subtly sculptured surfaces. The car demonstrates that, in seeking greater on-road efficiency, electric vehicle buyers need not sacrifice emotionally engaging design or crossover versatility. You can find more visual details of the 2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version gallery by scrolling up.

The Kia e-Niro differentiates itself from the existing Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid with a series of exclusive design features. Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the exterior is based on a ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept. Its futuristic and aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille features an integrated charging port, bearing a de-bossed Niro logo. Redesigned air intakes and new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights combine with blue trim highlights to help it stand out further.

The closed ‘tiger-nose’ grille design is housed within a newly designed front bumper, giving the car a clear family identity, while aiding aerodynamic performance, and providing a sleek and purposeful character to the front of the vehicle.

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In profile, the slim character line, tapered rear windows and sturdy sill line help to emphasise and elongate the car’s sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the muscular wheel arches. All models in the e-Niro line-up ride on the same five-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a diamond-cut two-tone finish.

At the back, a redesigned rear bumper features similar blue trim highlights to those found at the front of the car. A bold LED rear light design gives the e-Niro the same distinct and recognisable rear light signature as its Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid siblings.

The Kia e-Niro is available in a selection of five contemporary paint colours, one of which is unique to the e-Niro, called Yacht Blue.

Modern interior with dedicated electric powertrain technologies and crossover utility

Inside the Kia e-Niro, the cabin combines a modern design with generous space and technologies that complement its zero-tailpipe emissions powertrain. The interior is differentiated from other Niro models with a range of new features and design elements.

The design of the centre console represents the biggest change for the e-Niro, with the all-electric powertrain not requiring a traditional gear lever and gear linkage. The physical transmission has therefore been replaced with a new ‘shift-by-wire’ rotator dial drive selector. The drive selector dial sits on its own highly ergonomic panel which extends out from the base of the central armrest. In addition to the rotator dial, this new panel also houses buttons for the electronic parking brake, drive mode select, parking sensors, and the e-Niro’s braking ‘Auto Hold’ function. On grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’, it also incorporates the heated seats and heated steering wheel switches. The new panel requires no bulky transmission tunnel, enabling Kia’s designers to create a larger storage area at the base of the centre console.

The dashboard features bright blue trim around the air vents, echoing the trim highlights found on the outside of the car. New high-gloss black and blue trim also lines the doors of the e-Niro, further enhancing the futuristic atmosphere of the cabin. The shelf at the base of the instrument panel features a wireless charger for Qi-equipped smartphones on grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’.

On grade ‘3’ and ‘4+’ versions, the new 10.25-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) in the centre of the dashboard offers a series of features specific to Kia’s new electric vehicle. It enables owners to locate nearby charging points and monitor the level of remaining charge and range. It also lets owners gauge their trip and lifetime CO₂ reduction from driving the e-Niro, compared to a petrol car of a similar size. The HMI lets owners set an approximate departure time for their next journey, enabling the car to heat itself to a set temperature before the driver departs. The charge management function also intelligently manages the flow of electricity to the battery when charging, to help extend the life of the battery.

You can find more visual details of the 2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version gallery by scrolling up.

The 7.0-inch TFT colour instrument cluster shows driving and battery charge information on-the-move. The display also gauges the driving style of whoever is sitting at the wheel, attributing a percentage to the amount of ‘economical’ driving they manage on each journey. For drivers preferring to enjoy the car’s low centre of gravity and instant off-the-line acceleration, the display also shows what percentage of a journey has been completed with ‘dynamic’ driving.

A lamp is integrated into the top of the dashboard, with a light displaying whether the battery pack is recharging or fully charged when plugged in. This enables owners to quickly see the car’s charging status at a glance when charging.

When the Niro was first launched in 2016, its new platform was engineered to accommodate a variety of advanced powertrains. The introduction of a battery-electric powertrain has had minimal impact on packaging and versatility, meaning the Kia e-Niro offers greater practicality and versatility by design than many other electric and hybrid cars. Its 2,700mm wheelbase ensures all occupants enjoy generous legroom, while space and a sense of roominess is boosted by its crossover design. Its body is 1,805mm wide and 1,570mm tall, ensuring maximum head- and shoulder-room throughout the cabin. At 4,375mm in length, it offers more cargo space – 451 litres (VDA) – than many other plug-in and electric vehicles. The boot features a dedicated storage area beneath its floor, providing space for owners to store the charging cable.

282-mile driving range from next-generation all-electric powertrain

The Kia e-Niro has been designed to merge crossover-inspired design with long-distance, zero tailpipe emissions driving and enjoyable performance. It achieves this with a next-generation electric powertrain, using new production technologies developed specifically for Kia electric vehicles.

The e-Niro offers buyers a convincing alternative to compact crossovers powered by traditional petrol or diesel internal combustion engines. It gives owners the opportunity to complete both long-distance drives and daily commutes with zero emissions and ultra-low running costs.

The e-Niro is equipped with a choice of two power outputs, both featuring a lithium-ion battery pack. The 39kWh version manages 180 miles on a single charge, producing zero on-road CO₂ emissions, while on the WLTP city cycle, it can travel up to 251 miles. The 39kWh battery pack is paired with a 134bhp (100kW) electric motor that produces 395Nm of torque and allows the e-Niro to accelerate to 60mph in a pleasing 9.5 seconds. The high-powered 64kWh edition provides a driving range of more than 282 miles on a single charge, and up to 382 miles when measured on the WLTP city cycle. The long-distance 64kWh battery pack is combined with a 201bhp (150kW) electric motor that packs 395Nm of torque and enabling it to accelerate from 0-to-60mph in just 7.5 seconds. Like the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, the e-Niro is front-wheel-drive.

Enhancements to the award-winning formula for 2020

Ever since the Kia e-Niro made its debut in 2018, it has been queuing up to accept awards from well-respected, influential industry commentators. But even with an ever-growing list of accolades, there’s no room for the e-Niro to rest on its laurels, and for 2020, it has been made even better than before. A more upscale, high-quality interior is joined by a choice of three trim levels – ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4+’, which replaces the high specification ‘4’ grade and ‘First Edition’ previously available. Its standard equipment list is lengthy, and highlights include a new updated 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with telematics and UVO Connect Services on grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’ and LED headlights with bi-function projection, ambient lighting and a battery heating system on level ‘4+’ models. The updated range for summer 2020 also sees the introduction of a great value ‘2’ grade with a 39kWh electric motor. It’s the first time that the lower powered electric motor version has been offered in the UK, giving buyers even more choice and a substantially lower entry price.

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DESIGN AND PACKAGING

Bespoke electric vehicles, as opposed to those developed from a purely combustion-engined car, have traditionally involved compromises in design, mainly to achieve the lowest air-drag co-efficient figure possible. That is why the majority have adopted a tear-drop hatchback profile – practical and efficient, but uninspiring and not what customers demand in a market increasingly attuned to SUVs and crossovers.

Kia was adamant it could overcome the design limitations of other electric vehicles without sacrificing practicality, versatility, and aerodynamic efficiency. The result is the e-Niro, part of a range of Niro hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric vehicles, with a modern, attractive crossover body style and ample room for five people plus their luggage. The remarkable feat is that this has been achieved in the e-Niro with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, despite the standard roof rails.

To make this possible, Kia designers took a reverse approach during the creation of Niro: design an attractive, sporty, stylish, and tough-looking crossover, then fine-tune the aerodynamics to suit the requirements of an electric vehicle. This novel way of going about things has resulted in a crossover which is appealing, but which is also a highly efficient electric vehicle.

Exterior styling

The design of e-Niro was a joint effort between Kia’s studios at Namyang in Korea and Irvine, California. The car features the subtly sculpted surfaces and sharp lines that are now Kia design hallmarks. A wide stance gives pointers to the car’s stability and low centre of gravity, while a long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlights, and a rising shoulder line are other Kia distinguishing features. The body tapers towards the rear, where bold wheel arches, a re-profiled bumper, and the high-mounted C-shaped taillight clusters emphasise the crossover stance. The car demonstrates that, in seeking greater on-road efficiency, electric vehicle buyers need not sacrifice emotionally engaging design or crossover versatility.

The e-Niro differentiates itself from the existing Niro Hybrid and Niro PHEV with a series of exclusive design features. Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the exterior is based on a ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept. Its futuristic and aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille features an integrated charging port, bearing a ‘de-bossed’ Niro logo. Redesigned air intakes and new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights combine with light-blue trim highlights to help it stand out further.

From any angle, the car exudes dynamism and strength. The body line linking the roof, glasshouse and bonnet adds crossover-style volume to the car, while a wide bumper with bold lines and the now-familiar aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille add a distinctive Kia family look. In profile, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasise the car’s sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the muscular wheel arches. The e-Niro rides on five-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a diamond-cut two-tone finish. At the back, reshaped rear bumpers feature similar light blue highlights to those found at the front of the car, while new LED rear lights give the e-Niro its own light signature.

There are air curtains, like gills, in the front corners of the car. These channel air away from the front wheel arches to reduce turbulence in those areas, again to aid aerodynamic efficiency. The roof leads into a rear spoiler to direct air over the car in the most efficient manner.

The tailgate area is clean-looking and sits over a diffuser which aids airflow under the car. The C-shaped LED rear lamps are mounted immediately beneath the tailgate glass, while the contours of the wide and deep tailgate emphasise the smooth aerodynamic shape. Even the location of the standard rear-vision camera reduces drag: it is housed within the rear wiper mounting so as not to impede air exiting the rear. The rear corners of the car have been refined in minute detail to reduce drag without worsening visibility. There are specially profiled door mirror casings and – as an example of the attention to detail of Kia’s engineers – covered holes in the roof rails, which sit flush on the bodywork.

The e-Niro has a specification that includes chrome-coated exterior door handles, chrome belt-line mouldings, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps and body-coloured and high-gloss door mirrors with LED indicators.

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2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version Side View

Modern interior with EV-specific technologies and crossover utility

The ergonomic fascia and information clusters follow what is becoming a modern theme for Kia, starting with a wide dashboard set out on horizontal lines. There is an upper display sector with the instrument panel and infotainment screen at the same height for instant, easier reading, separated by a cabin-wide trim line from the lower control area, where the heating and ventilation and driver assistance switches are located.

The design of the centre console represents the biggest change for the e-Niro, with the all-electric powertrain not requiring a traditional gear lever and gear linkage. The physical transmission has therefore been replaced with a new ‘shift-by-wire’ rotator dial drive selector. The drive selector dial sits on its own highly ergonomic panel which extends out from the base of the central armrest. In addition to the rotator dial, this new panel also houses buttons for the electronic parking brake, drive mode selector, parking sensors, and the e-Niro’s braking ‘Auto Hold’ function. On ‘3’ and ‘4+’ models, the buttons for the heated seats and heated steering wheel are also incorporated. The new panel requires no bulky transmission tunnel, enabling Kia’s designers to create a larger storage area at the base of the centre console.

The five-seat e-Niro has an electric parking brake to release more space for oddments in the centre console and is fitted with a tyre mobility kit rather than a spare wheel to reduce weight, and ensure the boot is as large as possible. Space-saving front seats with special foam-backed covers and slim headrests contribute to the car’s exceptional roominess and also save 1.3kg each thanks to their high-strength steel frames, yet they are still able to cushion occupants against bumps and vibrations as a result of high-density foam and profiled springs and pads.

The cabin combines modern design with generous space and technologies that complement the zero-tailpipe emissions powertrain. The interior of the e-Niro is differentiated from other Niro models with a range of new features and design elements. The dashboard features a new light blue trim, echoing that of the exterior, while the design of the centre console has been simplified to accommodate the car’s shift-by-wire drive selector – Kia’s first ‘dial’-style shift knob.

Standard on grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’, the 10.25-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) in the centre of the dashboard offers a series of features specific to Kia’s new electric vehicle. It enables owners to locate nearby charging points and monitor the level of remaining charge and range. It also lets owners gauge their trip and lifetime CO₂ reduction from driving the e-Niro, compared to a petrol car of a similar size. The HMI lets owners set an approximate departure time for their next journey, enabling the car to heat itself to a set temperature before the driver departs. The charge management function also intelligently manages the flow of electricity to the battery when charging, to help extend the life of the battery.

The 7.0-inch TFT colour instrument cluster shows driving and battery charge information on-the-move. The display also gauges the driving style of whoever is sitting at the wheel, attributing a percentage to the amount of ‘economical’ driving they manage on each journey. For drivers preferring to enjoy the car’s low centre of gravity and instant off-the-line acceleration, the display also shows what percentage of a journey has been completed with ‘dynamic’ driving.

The redesigned centre console creates more storage space at the base of the dashboard for smaller items – including a wireless smartphone charger on grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’. There is smart black leather upholstery (part cloth and leather on grade ‘2’), high-gloss black inserts on the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector and satin chrome interior door handles further attest to the car’s quality.

A lamp is integrated into the top of the dashboard, with a light displaying whether the battery pack is recharging or fully charged when plugged in. This enables owners to quickly see the car’s charge status at a glance from outside the car.

You can find more visual details of the 2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version gallery by scrolling up.

Aerodynamic considerations posed many challenges for the teams tasked with e-Niro’s packaging. It was determined early on that e-Niro would be a compact hybrid crossover – shorter than the Sportage SUV, but longer than the Ceed hatchback. There had to be a limit on height to reduce drag, but this was not to be at the expense of a raised seating position. And space, versatility, ease of entrance and visibility were not to suffer in any way. The result is one of Kia’s most efficiently packaged cars ever.

Thanks to the long, 2,700mm wheelbase there is generous space for five people. There is up to 1,059mm of legroom in the front and 950mm in the rear; the class-leading headroom of up to 1,018mm in front and 993mm behind is greater than in many C-segment SUVs; and the 1,805mm wide body provides 1,423mm of shoulder room for the two front occupants and only slightly less, at 1,402mm, in the rear.

One major difference with the e-Niro is that luggage capacity has been enhanced compared to its hybrid and PHEV counterparts, with 451 litres of space with all five seats occupied. This compares to 382 litres on the Hybrid and 324 litres for the PHEV. The boot expands to 1,405 litres – up from the 1,380 litres of the Niro parallel hybrid and 1,322 of the PHEV – with the 60/40 split rear seats folded.

When the Niro was first launched in 2016, its new platform was engineered to accommodate a variety of advanced powertrains. The introduction of a battery-electric powertrain has had minimal impact on packaging and versatility, meaning the Kia e-Niro offers greater practicality and versatility by design than many other electric and hybrid cars. Its 2,700mm wheelbase ensures all occupants enjoy generous legroom, while space and a sense of roominess is boosted by its crossover design. Its body is 1,805mm wide and 1,570mm tall, ensuring maximum head- and shoulder-room throughout the cabin. At 4,375 mm in length, it offers more cargo space than many other plug-in and electric vehicles. The boot features a dedicated storage area beneath its floor, providing space for owners to store the charging cable.

DYNAMICS

An all-new platform exclusively for electrified vehicles

There will be no combustion engine-only Niro. Its all-new platform has been engineered exclusively for electrified vehicles and has been designed to accommodate present and future electrical components within a compact vehicle footprint with minimal intrusion into the spacious interior and luggage area.

The structure is particularly strong and includes 53 per cent advanced high-strength steel, which ensures that rigidity and safety do not compromise weight. This is aided by extensive use of aluminium for the bonnet, tailgate panel, front bumper back beam and several chassis elements, including the front knuckles, front lower arms, and brake calipers. The aluminium bonnet and tailgate alone save 11kg when compared with comparable steel components. The front seats save 1.3kg each thanks to their high-strength steel frames, yet they are still able to cushion occupants against bumps and vibrations as a result of their high-density foam, while specially profiled springs and pads provide high levels of thigh, hip and side support.

As a result of all of this, the e-Niro’s kerbside weight is 1,667kg on the 39kWh edition and 1,812kg on the 64kWh versions. To ensure body integrity and rigidity in critical areas, hot-stamped steel is used to reinforce the A- and B-pillars, roof rails and wheel arches.

The battery pack is housed underneath the floor, which allows for a larger boot compared to the parallel hybrid and PHEV versions of the Niro.

No compromises in safety, comfort, and refinement

By re-engineering some existing components, Kia has endowed the e-Niro, Niro Hybrid and Niro PHEV with a unique chassis specifically designed for electrified vehicles, while ensuring they are the equal of the brand’s other compact models for ride comfort, handling and refinement.

The driving characteristics begin with fully independent suspension all round, based on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement with dual lower arms at the rear. It has been tuned to deliver maximum on-centre steering feel, high-speed stability, and immediate response to steering inputs. Because each rear wheel can absorb bumps independently, shocks are less likely to be transmitted to the cabin than with a cheaper torsion beam rear axle, while the wide stance and low centre of gravity enhance stability.

Capitalising on the experience gained through the development of two generations of Optima Hybrid (neither sold in the UK), the Soul EV and the Niro and Optima PHEVs, Kia has been able to give the e-Niro consistent and linear deceleration and brake feel unusual in an electrified car. All-disc brakes are used, ventilated at the front, and there is a dashboard-mounted electric parking brake. The anti-lock braking system includes Brake Assist, which ensures maximum retardation in an emergency stop, regardless of the force applied to the pedal by the driver.

Steering is via Kia’s proven column-mounted motor-driven power-assisted system (C-MDPS), which gives the car a compact turning circle of 10.6 metres and requires less than 2.7 turns of the wheel between the extremes of lock. The steering gear has been mounted well forward and features an increased gear ratio and a larger electric motor for greater self-centring and responsiveness. Agility is also helped by aluminium front suspension knuckles, lower arms and brake calipers, all of which save weight and counter inertia.

Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management, which collectively control skids when cornering or accelerating on surfaces with uneven levels of grip, are standard, while Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents the car from rolling backwards when setting off on gradients.

Passive safety provisions start with the rigidity of the body structure, which is reinforced in critical areas and features crumple zones front and rear and anti-intrusion beams at the sides. There are seven airbags, including one to protect the driver’s knees; all-round height-adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seat belts with an automatic tightening device in the event of emergency braking; ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchors; and doors which unlock automatically after an impact.

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Road noise is minimised by high-insulation rigid bushes in the front subframe, high-strength steel in the rear wheel arches and additional insulation in the A- and B-pillars. The low drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.29 contributes towards the suppression of wind noise, aided by windscreen glass, a cowl over the front windscreen wipers, specially profiled door mirror casings and – as an example of the attention to detail of Kia’s engineers – covers over the holes in the roof rails, which sit flush with the bodywork.

POWERPLANT

The Kia e-Niro has been designed to merge crossover-inspired design with long-distance zero tailpipe emissions driving and enjoyable performance. It achieves this with a choice of two next-generation electric powertrains, using new production technologies developed specifically for Kia electric vehicles.

The e-Niro offers buyers a convincing alternative to compact crossovers powered by traditional petrol or diesel internal combustion engines. It gives owners the opportunity to complete both long-distance drives and daily commutes with zero emissions and ultra-low running costs.

The e-Niro is equipped with a choice of two power outputs, both featuring a lithium-ion battery pack. The 39kWh version manages 180 miles on a single charge, producing zero on-road CO2 emissions, while on the WLTP city cycle, it can travel up to 251 miles. The 39kWh battery pack is paired with a 134bhp (100kW) electric motor that produces 395Nm of torque and allows the e-Niro to accelerate to 60mph in a pleasing 9.5 seconds. The high-powered 64kWh edition provides a driving range of more than 282 miles on a single charge, and up to 382 miles when measured on the WLTP city cycle. The long-distance 64kWh battery pack is combined with a 201bhp (150kW) electric motor that packs 395Nm of torque and enabling it to accelerate from 0-to-60mph in just 7.5 seconds. Like the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, the e-Niro is front-wheel-drive.

The lithium-ion polymer battery system is mounted under the floor, between the two axles, and is liquid-cooled. The 39kWh version operates at 327 volts, has a capacity of 120 Ah and has a total battery weight of 317kgs. Understandably, the high capacity 64kWh edition is heavier at 457kgs, but operates at 356 volts and has a capacity of 180 Ah.

Energy-harvesting and predictive driving assistant technologies

The e-Niro provides owners with a range of technologies to enhance battery efficiency and improve the car’s range.

Regenerative braking technology allows the Niro to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while predictive driving assistance technologies use navigation information to adjust the level of energy regeneration, depending on upcoming road conditions.

Although the electric motor requires no transmission, the car still features a pair of paddles behind the steering wheel. These paddles let drivers choose between five levels of energy regeneration: ‘Off’, ‘Level 1’, ‘Level 2’, ‘Level 3’ and ‘One Pedal’. The higher the level chosen by the driver, the more energy the regenerative brakes try to harvest, with ‘Level 1’ offering the lowest and ‘Level 3’ offering greater levels of energy regeneration. ‘One Pedal’ mode enables the maximum level of brake energy regeneration, and, in general driving, enables the driver to control the e-Niro’s speed simply by modulating the accelerator. As the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, coasting is replaced by a moderate braking effect to harness more kinetic energy – though heavier deceleration may still require braking input from the driver.

An auto regeneration mode is also available, enabling the vehicle to adjust the level of kinetic energy regeneration by itself depending on traffic conditions, using the cameras from the Smart Cruise Control system.

The instrument cluster also displays the number of miles ‘saved’ by the e-Niro’s energy harvesting systems on each trip or charge.

The e-Niro’s Electronic Parking Brake (EPB, is operated by a button on the new centre console panel. The driver can manually apply the parking brake once stopped. When moving off, the EPB switches off automatically, allowing a seamless start.

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2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version Interior

A battery heating system is also fitted to the e-Niro, designed to insulate and warm up the battery while the vehicle is plugged in, minimising the adverse effects of cold temperatures.

The e-Niro is also equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, enabling owners to tailor their driving experience. Switching between Eco, Eco+, Normal and Sport modes, Drive Mode Select alters the level of effort required to steer the car, and subtly changes the character of the powertrain. Eco mode maximises the potential for greater battery energy efficiency by limiting the maximum torque and power of the motor, softening throttle responses, and offering more relaxed steering inputs. Eco+ mode adjusts the maximum vehicle speed and energy-consuming systems to achieve the highest possible energy efficiency. Normal mode is the most suitable for day-to-day driving, combining the innate efficiency and performance of the electric motor with direct steering and throttle responses. Sport mode enhances throttle responses and enables maximum acceleration, as well as weighting up the steering for more decisive responses to driver inputs, bringing the Kia e-Niro’s engaging handling character to the fore.

Low centre of gravity with fully independent suspension for stable ride and handling

The Kia Niro was engineered from the start to accommodate a specific range of hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The e-Niro’s ride and handling were therefore always readily adaptable to the introduction of an all-electric powertrain.

The battery pack is located low down in the body, between the two axles, giving the crossover a centre of gravity more akin to that of a saloon or a hatchback. With a relatively wide stance, the e-Niro offers drivers maximum stability and driving enjoyment on winding roads, and minimal body roll under cornering. The car is equipped with fully independent rear suspension, tuned to deliver high stability and immediate handling responses, and filter out small vibrations at higher speeds when travelling over poor surfaces.

The e-Niro’s regenerative brakes – 305 mm in diameter at the front, 300 mm at the rear – exhibit a consistent, linear deceleration and braking feel, and harvest kinetic energy to recharge the battery pack on the move.

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The e-Niro is refined and quiet at low speeds thanks to its all-electric powertrain. The e-Niro boasts an even lower drag co-efficient (0.29 Cd) than Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models (0.30 Cd), suppressing wind noise and enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. This is aided by windscreen glass, a cowl over the front windscreen wipers, specially-profiled door mirror casings and covers over the holes in the roof rails – which sit flush on the bodywork. Road noise is minimised further by high-insulation rigid bushes in the front subframe, high-strength steel in the rear wheel arches, to reduce high frequency vibrations around the rear of the car and additional sound insulation material in the A- and B-pillars.

Recycling more heat: Kia turns up EV efficiency with new heat pump technology

Kia’s heat pump is a leading heat management innovation that maximizes the distance that electric vehicles can travel on a single charge, scavenging waste heat to warm the cabin. It enables EV drivers to heat their car’s cabin in cold weather without significantly impacting electric driving range, unlike rivals. The heat pump is available of the ‘4+’ grade.

Kia’s heat pump technology made its debut six years ago on the first-generation Kia Soul EV. It meant the Soul EV’s 112 miles electric range was protected in cold weather driving conditions.

Since then, the industry-leading heat pump technology has been developed further for new EVs from Kia. It now harvests significantly more energy by recycling additional waste heat not only from power electrics modules (such as drive motors, on-board chargers, and inverters), but also from the battery pack and slow charger.

The system uses the heat generated by these components to vaporise refrigerant from liquid to gas form. High-pressure gas is discharged from the compressor and forced into a condenser to be converted back into a liquid. This process generates additional heat energy that is recovered by the heat pump and used to warm the cabin.

This captured energy improves the efficiency of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, recycling it to heat up the cabin more efficiently and minimise battery power consumption. By reducing the load on the battery, the heat pump cuts energy consumption from the HVAC system, maximising the available electric driving range of the car.

Kia continues to develop its heat pump technology to yield even greater improvements in energy capture and efficiency. The system has been gradually refined since its 2014 introduction through extreme cold weather testing in Northern Sweden, where temperatures can get as low as -35°C (-31°F) in the winter. By testing in extreme cold temperatures, research engineers have identified additional ways to recycle as much waste heat as possible to increase the efficiency of the heat pump system. Testing the technology in these conditions ensures the heat pump is capable of operating in even the coldest environments.

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Battery pack heat management enhances electric vehicle driving range

The heat pump is one of a number of innovations found in Kia’s current generation of EVs, with heat management also used to realise major improvements in EV battery packs.

A water-cooling system for Kia’s EV battery packs, rather than conventional air cooling, have yielded further increases in range without increasing physical dimensions. This development means battery cells can be packaged much more tightly, with water-cooling channels taking up less space than air-cooling channels, increasing battery density by up to 35 percent.

This innovation means the latest EVs from Kia offer around twice as much driving range and battery capacity compared to the their first-generation EVs – and are capable of travelling significantly further on a single charge. For example, the first-generation Soul EV offered owners an electric driving range of around 112 miles from a single charge of its 30kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The second-generation Soul EV, with a 64kWh battery occupying a similar amount of space, is capable of traveling up to 241 miles on a single charge.

A study carried out by Korea’s Ministry of the Environment on the e-Niro found that the heat pump significantly reduced battery consumption in cold conditions. When each car was driven in temperatures of -7°C (19°F) with the HVAC system activated, they were able to maintain 90 per cent of their driving range compared to journeys undertaken at an ambient 26°C (79°F) – setting a new benchmark for other EVs. By contrast, many EVs offered by other manufacturers saw their total electric driving range drop by between 18 and 43 percent under the same test conditions.

Further development of heat pump technology

Kia continues to hone and improve the heat pump system and other heat management innovations, with the technologies forming an important part of the development of next-generation EVs. Kia’s mid- to long-term strategy, dubbed ‘Plan S’, will see the brand’s line-up grow to 11 EVs by 2025.

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2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version Rear View 3/4

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Charging times

Charging the lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 per cent only takes 54 minutes using a 100kW direct current (DC) fast charger, no matter whether the 39kWh or 64kWh iteration is chosen. Using a 50kW DC charger, the e-Niro 39kWh charges to 80 per cent in 57 minutes, while the 64kWh version takes 75 minutes. Drivers also have the option of charging their car at a compatible regular household power socket using the ICCB-cable (in-cable control box). The charging port is located at the front of the car, underneath a flap that is integrated into the aerodynamically-optimised ‘tiger nose’ grille. Two battery charging cables are supplied with the e-Niro; one with a standard three-pin plug allowing the car to be connected to a domestic socket and a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for connection to a public or workplace charging point.

New for summer 2020 is a three-phase 11kW AC charger, which comes as standard on the flagship e-Niro ‘4+’. This can charge the e-Niro from 0 to 100 per cent in 7 hours.

You can find more visual details of the 2021 Kia e-Niro – UK Version gallery by scrolling up.

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