Kia expands e-Niro model range

Kia has extended the e-Niro model line-up with three trim levels and the option of a smaller, cheaper battery.

The e-Niro is now offered with a more traditional trim walk, consisting of 2, 3, and 4+ grades, which are available to order now,

Entry-level 2 models are fitted with a 39kWh battery pack, which provides a range of up to 180 miles.

The e-Niro 39kWh uses a 135PS electric motor with 395Nm of torque and can accelerate to 60mph in 9.5 seconds.

It is priced at £32,595 (excluding grant).

Kia's e-Niro was named the best zero-emission car at the 2020 Fleet News Awards, in March.

Higher specification 3 and 4+ grades feature the 64kWh battery pack that has been available since the car was launched. It offers a driving range of more than 282 miles on a single charge and uses a more powerful 204PS electric motor that enables acceleration from 0-to-60mph in 7.5 seconds.

Charging the battery up to 80% takes 54 minutes using a 100kW fast charger, no matter whether the 39kWh or 64kWh e-Niro is chosen. Using a 50kW DC charger, the 39kWh versions charges to 80% in 57 minutes, while the 64kWh version takes 75 minutes.

Read our review of the Kia e-Niro here.

The range topping 4+ edition incorporates an AC 11kW three-phase charger as standard, the first time that it has been offered on the e-Niro.

The e-Niro 2 comes with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, an eight-inch intfotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, parking sesors, reversing camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moving up to 3 specification (£33,850 ex grant) adds full leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless mobile phone charger and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and Kia Connected Services.

The e-Niro 4+ (£36,145 ex grant) features a power sunroof, LED headlights, heated outer rear seats and ventilated front seats. There’s also ambient lighting and a JBL premium sound system.

As the uptake of electric company cars increases due to favourable benefit-in-kind tax bills and increasing vehicle availability, it will become more important for organisations to install chargepoints at workplaces

Find out how to implement a successful charging scheme in the latest edition of Fleet News.