2019 Kia Niro EV and 2020 Soul EV: two affordable EVs
In unveiling the 2019 Niro EV and 2020 Soul EV, Kia has become the first manufacturer to offer two electric vehicles (EV) to the general public in Canada.
The two new models were presented to the press on January 10 in Montreal during the North American premiere of Kia’s 2020 Forte5, a new compact hatchback.
Niro EV: for single-vehicle families
“The 2019 Niro EV is ideal for small families with only one vehicle.” That’s how Michael Kopke, Kia Canada’s Director of Marketing puts it.
This vehicle is larger and more spacious than the Soul EV. What’s more, “with up to 385 km of autonomy, families can make a round trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant worry free,” Kopke adds.
Thanks to its onboard fast-charge system (standard feature), a 50 kW charger is all it takes for the 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer liquid-cooled battery to take you approximately 135 km, whereas a 100 kW charger gives an approximate range of 193 km.
Among this new version of the Niro’s distinctive features are its front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels.
It boasts four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Eco+, each in modulating acceleration, braking energy recovery, as well as the heating and air-conditioning system its own way.
The 2019 Niro EV will be on sale later this month, though its price has not as yet been announced. By comparison, the 2019 Niro hybrid is priced starting at $27,395 and the Niro PHEV (rechargeable hybrid) starting at $35,865.
Soul EV: two battery pack options, two customer bases
The smaller Soul EV will now be targeted at two distinct customer bases, offering two battery packs of different capacities.
This compact hatchback vehicle will come with a new 39.2 kWh battery pack (not available in the United States), whereas the same 64 kWh battery pack as on the Niro will be offered as an option.
Neither of the two battery packs autonomy specs has as yet been disclosed. We, however, do know that the 30 kWh battery pack currently powering the 2019 Soul EV gives an approximate range of 179 km, according to the manufacturer.
“While the Niro EV has a rather traditional look, the Soul EV’s silhouette was originally designed to turn heads,” explains Kopke. The more upscale version even boasts a 10-speaker, 640 W Harman Kardon sound system.
Kia has been selling first generation Soul EVs in Canada since September 2014. Up to now, approximately 2,700 of these vehicles have found takers, among whom roughly a thousand in 2018, with Quebec as its largest market.
The 2020 Soul EV will be on sale in March. Its price has not yet been announced. The 2019 model has a starting price of $37,795.
