Yes, but it is also being built by a well established automobile manufacturer with a dealership near you who will sell you the car and not treat you like they still own it.
I believe I would take the Tesla over Niro, but there are some definite downsides to dealing with Tesla. Some of them are only going to get worse over time and possibly for second owners of vehicles. I'm not sure if I will ever buy another brand new car (My 2001 Honda Insight is the only one so far) as I prefer slightly used so I pay attention to what it is like to be a second owner of a car. I read an article just this week about Tesla doing an audit on a car that was sold to a person through a dealer with certain features enabled which were then shutoff a few days after the car was purchased used. While it is cool that Tesla can enhance their vehicles over the air, the fact that it can work the other way around is a bit disconcerting. If I buy something, I should be the owner. My next EV is likely to be a used OEM model, and the more that are on the market, the better for me in terms of both price and selection. So here's hoping Kia sells a ton of Niro's 🙂 Damon ________________________________ From: EV <[email protected]> on behalf of paul dove via EV <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, February 9, 2020 4:19 AM To: Electric Vehicle Discussion List <[email protected]> Cc: paul dove <[email protected]>; brucedp5 <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [EVDL] EVLN: $45k Niro 64kWh liquid-cooled EV> novices can drive w/o learning EV-speak Wow that cost as much as a model 3 with 2/3rds the range Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 9, 2020, at 12:20 AM, brucedp5 via EV <[email protected]> wrote: > >  > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandiegouniontribune.com%2Fcars%2Fstory%2F2020-02-02%2F2020-kia-niro-ev-239-miles-in-a-family-electric&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850189462&sdata=FMWcPnOwMWq2Ve%2BTqYV3Sm6ETe6a9dyQsWeTpbLAmsQ%3D&reserved=0 > 2020 Kia Niro EV: 239 miles in a family electric > Feb. 2, 2020 Mark Maynard > > [images / kia > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffd%2F91%2Fcee2c5754721a2cf93f31806e9d1%2Fniroev-exterior.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850189462&sdata=hyBdnzieCSCPe1PNfMvn9qOd5mEWr%2BJlEEPBOFsiXYU%3D&reserved=0 > The Niro EV is sold in EX and EX Premium trim levels with starting prices of > $39,545 and $45,045, including the $1,045 freight charge from Hwaseong, > Korea > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd3%2Fe0%2Fb2c0c3e04299882b8ef1b04aa7d3%2Fniroev-frontseats.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=EJleqFQ4qKvVmzNnKZWZ6QZ8CYYlhflR0ZvNRcunXu8%3D&reserved=0 > There is enough cabin width for the space to allow intuitive placement of > controls. Sightlines are unobstructed > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdd%2Fc0%2F3ae1202c4a2190d3748da2c8d3fb%2Fniroev-gauges.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=BOASOow%2FlR2mFUuGpp%2FEAoOSGgcvxRAvKxD%2FzuZZ0cs%3D&reserved=0 > The 7-inch gauge group has selectable views, including the driver’s > efficiency rating > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2Fa9%2F6edfcaf64d3b9c2a3d3a56282ca7%2Fniroev-centerstack.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=amBcuNhYqUwH6JHM7FMs5ttRmtysq%2FVmctVT4baEZ8o%3D&reserved=0 > From top to bottom, the center stack is simple to see and access > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1f%2F1a%2F039049f742a596fcd1d4b06bbaa6%2Fniroev-motor.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=gwRACGc6%2FZyhtt1bMz%2FwaOPN1l995LAyFsx%2BRbhXR4g%3D&reserved=0 > The 201-horsepower, 356-volt permanent magnet synchronous motor put > immediate power to the front wheels for brisk acceleration > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F15%2F3c%2Fe215cac74b0d90c619228edca71b%2Fniroev-chargeport.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=czNaavDZC3cZqAaTNglIipU2I1b7%2FAiHCuW8bPw6454%3D&reserved=0 > The onboard 7.2 kW charging system includes DC fast-charging, which Kia says > can add around 100 miles in 30 minutes. But charging at home on 120 volts > would take 59 hours! > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2Fd5%2F66f1f0994bfdb9a7e8d7ac346895%2Fniroev-backseats.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=S6b0dz6NLRzIkkd7s3c5QWBa5G7OK9y17OJs8dsCbvk%3D&reserved=0 > Back seat space is adequate for adults with cramped foot room under the > front seats but good legroom at 36 inches > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F85%2F25%2F3d8ea014453ea6c1a0b5b426782f%2Fniroev-cargo.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850199469&sdata=AvuvlhlGqjhLEO3su1FygaJt4VNhs2d7rsjjZLUQ2%2FI%3D&reserved=0 > Cargo space of 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat has a short load-in > height of 27 inches but it’s wide at 4.5 feet, with at least five feet of > length with the 60/40 seatback folded, or 53 cu. ft. The charging cable can > be stored below the cargo floor > > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F62%2F8af61f85477f96fbd22098fc34aa%2Fniroev-rear.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=%2ByGBqZMzM3Srl30VRsqOO4flvstw%2BrD0kOxkLBjjf%2FQ%3D&reserved=0 > Because Kia has not met its EV sales quota for rebates, buyers will receive > the full $7,500 federal tax credit. And it qualifies for access to > high-occupancy vehicle lanes, with a decal > ] > > It’s a well-done car that happens to be electric > > It was interesting to learn that Kia considered me only 6 percent normal on > my first drive in its Niro EV. The better news was that I was 94 percent > “economical.” But my enthusiast’s card was revoked for a zero-percent > aggressive driving report. > > That’s according to the onboard driving gauge to coach and prod drivers to > make the most of the Niro EV’s 239 miles of driving range. > > The Niro is a family of electrified compact-class, five-door hatchbacks, > including a gasoline-electric hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (with 26 miles of > battery range), and the battery-electric that launched, new for 2019. For > 2020, the hybrid and plug-in get some minor updates, but the Niro continues > unchanged. > > The updated 2020 hybrid model will go on sale soon; pricing has not been > announced but the 2019 model ranged from $24,000-$33,000 in five trim > levels. PHEV pricing starts at about $29,000-$36,000 in three trim levels. > > The Niro is also in the Hyundai-Kia family of EVs, including the Hyundai > Kona and Ioniq and Kia Soul. Niro shares elements of all, but it is a little > larger overall with comfortable head and elbow room. > > It also will be compared to the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model > 3 [EVs], but its back-seat room and cargo space are its physical separators. > And other selling points will be the Niro’s primarily premium presentation > in the cabin and layers of details and clever features. > > The Niro’s styling and ease of use are more like a traditional automobile > with familiar controls and functions. A novice can get in and drive without > learning EV-speak. > > Sold in EX and EX Premium trim levels, the Niro EV has starting prices of > $39,545 and $45,045, including the $1,045 freight charge from Hwaseong, > Korea. (Currently, the Niro EV is sold in only 12 states: California, > Connecticut, Hawaii, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, > Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Texas). Kia has not said when or if it > will go nationwide. > > And because Kia has not met its EV sales quota for rebates, buyers will > receive the full $7,500 federal tax credit. > > But the California Air Resources Board has lowered the state rebates for > fully electric vehicles costing $60,000 and more from $2,500 to $2,000, and > the rebate for plug-in hybrids drops from $1,500 to $1,000. Rebates for low- > to moderate-income buyers will stay at $4,500 for EVs, $3,500 for plug-in > hybrids and $7,000 for fuel-cell vehicles. > > Ownership still qualifies for access to high-occupancy vehicles lanes, with > a Clean Air Vehicle decal from the DMV. > > Liquid cooled > > The Niro EV’s 64 kWh lithium ion polymer battery is liquid-cooled and > packaged under the floor. The array of battery pouches shaves about two > inches of space from the cargo floor and crimps back-seat foot space under > the front seats, but legroom is adult-adequate at 36 inches. > > The onboard 7.2 kW charging system includes DC fast-charging, which Kia says > can add around 100 miles in 30 minutes or 80 percent of battery capacity in > 75 minutes. > > But charging at home on 120 volts would take 59 hours! Owners will want to > buy (and pay to have installed) the Level 2 (240 volt) home charger for > faster charging of about 9.5 hours for a depleted battery. Most owners don’t > run the battery to a state of deadness and prefer to set a timer for reduced > charging cost to have a fully charged car for the morning commute. > > Kia does not offer dealer support for the installation of a Level 2 charger > at home. But it does have an arrangement with Amazon for what it says is a > no-hassle home charging installation service. > Drivability > > The Niro is a comfortable commuter and well soundproofed. It isn’t > sport-tuned, but neither is it a volt-dolt. Despite a curb weight of 3,854 > pounds — 1,000 of which are the battery — it does not feel heavy to drive; > some EVs struggle to balance hefty curb weights and can feel loaded. Its > Pedestrian Warning Sound is a muted electronic chorale as if from an > interstellar jazz bar. > > Among its many standard features is Kia Drive Wise, a safety suite of > advanced driver-assistance systems. Among the technologies are > forward-collision warning and forward-collision avoidance assist, > lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision > warning, smart cruise control with stop and go, and rear cross-traffic > collision warning. > > The Niro’s turning circle is urban-dainty at 34.8 feet and sightlines are > unobstructed, with the added benefit of a 7-inch display for the rearview > camera. > > The 201-horsepower, 356-volt motor and single speed gear-reduction > transmission put immediate power to the front wheels for brisk acceleration. > But there’s also good power in the midrange to hold your place in the > commute. Four drive modes — Eco, Normal, Sport and Eco+ — automatically > adjust regenerative braking level, air conditioning and heating settings. > > Using a firm foot, braking is confident from four-wheel discs, with 12-inch > vented front rotors and 11.8-inch solid rotors rear. And the regenerative > function on accelerator lift-off is three-stage driver selectable through > tabs on the steering column, repurposed from manual shift levers. Punch it > up for max regen or dial it back to be kind to passengers’ necks. The > all-season 17-inch Michelin Primacy MXV4s (215/55) have aerodynamic alloy > wheels; with an inflator kit for flats. > > Smart designs > > Front headroom is tall at 40.1 inches in an open cabin design. The > instrument panel is smartly designed for intuitive use and reach of the > touch screen and audio-map-media controls. Just below is another tier for > climate controls. > > The cabin has a range of usable storage areas, including a floor shelf below > the shift console; a huge cupholder “well” with adjustable grips; bottle and > stash space in the door panels; and a charging e-bin with a > wireless-charging pad, two USBs (one for charging) and a 180-watt 12-volt. > > The EX Premium has luxury appeal in its stitched and perforated > leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and vented front seats, heated steering, > sunroof, interior “mood” lighting and power driver’s seat. > > A low hump to the center tunnel allows decent foot space for three across > seating. There is a fold-down armrest but no charging ports. > Cargo > > Cargo space of 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat has a cropped load-in > height of 27 inches, but it’s wide at 4½ feet, with at least 5 feet of > length with the 60/40 seatback folded, for 53 cu. ft. The charging cable can > be stored below the cargo floor. > > The Niro is a well-done car that happens to be electric — and Kia sends it > home with an EV System Warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles. > > 2020 Kia Niro EV EX Premium > > Body style: compact, front-drive 5-passenger hatchback > Motor: 201-hp, 356-volt permanent magnet synchronous; 291 lb.-ft. torque > from 0-3,600 rpm > Battery: liquid-cooled 64 kWh Lithium ion polymer battery, 170kW > Transmission: single speed gear reduction > Range: 239 miles; mpg equivalent, 123/102/112 mpg city/hwy/combined > Charging times: 59 hours, 120-volt home; 9:35 hours Level 2; 1:15 hours > DC fast charge > > SPECIFICATIONS > Cargo space: 18.5-53 cu. ft. > Front head/leg room: 40.1/41.7 in. > Rear head/leg room: 37.7/36 in. > Length/wheelbase: 172.2/106.3 in. > Curb weight: 3,854 lbs. > Turning circle: 34.8 ft. > > FEATURES > Standard equipment includes: wireless phone charging, electric parking > brake, 8-inch color navigation touchscreen, power tilt/slide sunroof, LED > headlights, 8-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system with external amplifier and > subwoofer, heated steering wheel, LED interior lighting, ambient mood > lighting, lighted door-sill scuff plates > > Safety features include: 7 air bags, parking distance alerts (forward > and reverse) and “Kia Drive Wise” suite of advanced driver-assistance > systems, automatic emergency braking > > PRICING > Base price: $45,045, including $1,045 freight charge; price as tested > $47,155 > > Options on test vehicle: Cold weather package $1,080, adds battery > heater and heat pump; EX Premium Launch Edition, $1,000, adds heated > steering wheel, LED headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, park distance > warnings, front and rear; cargo cover $95; carpeted floor mats $135; cargo > net $50 > > Where assembled: Hwaseong, Korea > Warranty: 10 years/100,000 powertrain and battery; 5 years/60,000 miles > bumper to bumper with roadside assistance > [© sandiegouniontribune.com] > > > + > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arabianindustry.com%2Futilities%2Fnews%2F2020%2Ffeb%2F1%2Ftotal-saft-to-launch-221-mn-plant-to-manufacture-european-ev-batteries-6315738%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=4Fw77MdNz17EO1Q3m5B1GQrA5qpgolN%2BHKzW4b0fuWA%3D&reserved=0 > Total, Saft, to launch $221 mn plant to manufacture European EV batteries > 1 February 2020 ... highest level of energy performance, both ... range > &charging ... lower carbon footprint ... setting a new standard in Europe > ... Automotive Cell Company (ACC) ... a 50-50 Saft & Groupe PSA/Opel joint > venture for the pilot production ... > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arabianindustry.com%2Fstatic%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Flarger1%2F14443-535622.jpg&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=o4nyWR%2FcxA9zC5Bd7Su2vclD%2FwcwOQOe%2BPMUv9gnF3M%3D&reserved=0 > > > > > For EVLN EV-newswire posts use: > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evdl.org%2Farchive%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=dgc9G1sMY51pGt3TuNzpBsTfJzwpSKGhkir6GpTP3l8%3D&reserved=0 > > > {brucedp.neocities.org} > > -- > Sent from: > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Felectric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=Yo6v%2FrPdlidbOHWhPe3m%2BNgVqAUOQ7l0AjPUQB7mR7Q%3D&reserved=0 > _______________________________________________ > UNSUBSCRIBE: > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evdl.org%2Fhelp%2Findex.html%23usub&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=fNpjS5gmcBOqETSWMD2XvtFhk6WbwbbvkdLS6pHhFZE%3D&reserved=0 > ARCHIVE: > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evdl.org%2Farchive%2Findex.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=PdPlFkaPk5f3UVgARfsMcvxzYMZSq27rix6Sc%2FCZ%2BZE%3D&reserved=0 > INFO: > https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.evdl.org%2Flistinfo.cgi%2Fev-evdl.org&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850209477&sdata=LoiLA5272qAmiO4ESdXQFCTQnaQQFgxCBq5jg2ZgvLw%3D&reserved=0 > Please discuss EV drag racing at NEDRA > (https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgroups.yahoo.com%2Fgroup%2FNEDRA&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850219485&sdata=vvOwKgR%2B2DfrXlmx8DzyoMQGX0QIAhTCgrHJPY90a40%3D&reserved=0) > _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evdl.org%2Fhelp%2Findex.html%23usub&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850219485&sdata=RvYgXPb39J4NZRuwBfNdxVocAR3Hh8S0ztX3H6qyOF0%3D&reserved=0 ARCHIVE: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evdl.org%2Farchive%2Findex.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850219485&sdata=bGGL%2Fic3c3D2RaRAywpINbs%2FDu0KIiT97AB2duSb48A%3D&reserved=0 INFO: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.evdl.org%2Flistinfo.cgi%2Fev-evdl.org&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850219485&sdata=4dR3fX1Qj4hXQynNPllQ%2FKHSoEic6L%2FfiTNHYCMTX%2Fs%3D&reserved=0 Please discuss EV drag racing at NEDRA (https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgroups.yahoo.com%2Fgroup%2FNEDRA&data=02%7C01%7C%7C6536573ba83247a82f6e08d7ad6c0a38%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637168551850219485&sdata=vvOwKgR%2B2DfrXlmx8DzyoMQGX0QIAhTCgrHJPY90a40%3D&reserved=0) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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