European Kia e-Niro Has 301 Miles / 485km Of Electric Range

Kia has revealed the full technical details of the Euro-spec e-Niro, also known as the Niro EV in the United States, at the Paris Auto Show.

The headline figures are of course about the driving range of the new Kia e-Niro, which manages to travel up to 301 miles (485km) on a full charge, according to the latest WLTP cycle. Kia also adds that the e-Niro’s range raises to 382 miles (615km) on the WLTP urban cycle. These figures apply to the range-topping version with the 64kWh battery pack.

Customers will be offered a smaller 39.2kWh battery pack option as well, which comes with a range of up to 193 miles (312km), again on the latest WLTP cycle.

Both versions of the Kia e-Niro will feature a range of technologies to help drivers maximize battery efficiency. Apart from the necessary regenerative brakes, the Kia e-Niro will feature the Eco Driving Assistant System (Eco DAS) system, which guides the driver on how to drive more efficiently. The Eco DAS includes Coasting Guide Control (CGC) and Predictive Energy Control (PEC).

The CGC system lets the driver know when it’s the best time to lift off the throttle and coast towards a junction, with the system operating at certain speeds and when a navigation destination has been set. Drivers also get to choose between three levels of energy recuperation via the paddles on the steering wheel.

Other specific features include a battery heating system and an advanced heat pump. The latter draws heat energy from the air-conditioning and electrical systems, instead of relying solely on battery power to heat the cabin.

Long-distance 64kWh versions of the Kia e-Niro are powered by an electric motor with 201hp (204PS) and 291lb-ft (395Nm) of torque, making them capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 7.8 seconds. The smaller 39.2kWh models use a 134hp electric motor with the same torque output, offering a 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds.

The new Kia e-Niro will go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year, backed by a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty that also covers the battery pack and electric motor.