2019MY Kia Niro EV Will Allegedly Be Launched This Winter

The 2019 Kia Niro EV is set to land in the United States this coming winter, according to a recent report.

Although the South Korean automaker hasn’t announced an official release date for its all-electric crossover, a member of the Inside EVs forums discovered that Kia’s local website has a page dedicated to the Niro EV. On the page, it is revealed that the vehicle is expected to be available in “winter 2018 in select markets and in limited quantities.”

It remains to be seen what markets Kia is talking about. However, it’s reasonable to assume that the Niro EV will be initially introduced to the CARB states throughout the U.S., including the likes of California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. It is also unclear just how many units will be offered as part of the initial allocation.

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“Final EPA estimates will be released closer to Niro EV’s on-sale date. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition,” Kia says.

In Europe, Kia says that the entry-level Niro EV’s 39.2 kWh battery pack offers a range in excess of 149 miles (240 km). A more expensive version with a 64 kWh battery offers up to 236 miles (380 km) of range on a single charge. A fast-charger rated at 100 kW will be able to charge the battery to 80 per cent capacity in 54 minutes.

Powering the Niro EV is an electric motor delivering 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque offered up by the various Niro hybrids.

Pricing details and availability should be made public in the coming months.