Welcome to Huffines Kia Corinth, your home for all things Kia-related in the Corinth, Texas, area. If you’re in the market for a new automobile, perhaps you’ve looked at our lineup of electric vehicles (EVs). If so, we have many EVs in stock at prices to fit any budget, and we’ve put together this article explaining their features to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Electric Vehicles
Image via Flickr by steevithak
The auto industry has manufactured EVs for well over a decade, yet many drivers don’t understand the differences between EVs, gas-powered vehicles, and hybrids. The internal combustion engine has been used for over 100 years. However, industry insiders believe the gas powertrain will go the way of the dinosaur over the next 10-20 years. You can point to the rise in popularity of EVs as the reason.
Let’s start with a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid powertrain combines the power of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle. In this hybrid setup, you can use the electric motor with the gas engine for maximum power. Or, you can operate in electric-only mode for maximum efficiency. Finally, you can drive in gas-only mode if your battery power runs low, offering the reliability and familiarity of gas.
When you use all-electric mode, most hybrid vehicles have a range of 15-50 miles depending on the size of the battery. The gas engine recharges the battery in a hybrid powertrain. Some hybrid powertrain vehicles can plug into an external power source to recharge, called plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
An EV has no internal combustion engine. Instead, it uses an electric motor or motors powered by a battery pack to move the vehicle. EV batteries have a much larger capacity than hybrid batteries. Therefore, they have a much longer driving range, in many cases over 200 miles. As battery technology improves, manufacturers expect EV driving range could exceed 300 miles on a full charge.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
image via Kia USA
Kia created the Niro Plug-In Hybrid to provide the versatility and performance you want from a crossover SUV and the efficiency of PHEV technology. Under the hood, you’ll find Kia’s 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. As a result, the Niro PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 45 mpg city and highway driving in gas-only mode and a 105 MPGe rating when using electric and gas power together.
The Niro PHEV gets 26 miles of driving range in all-electric mode. A regenerative braking system helps return power to the battery. However, this system doesn’t capture enough energy to charge the battery fully. Instead, it only serves to add range. As a result, you’ll need to plug into an external power source to achieve a full charge.
The Kia Niro PHEV comes with a premium interior with leather upholstery. In addition, you get the latest in-vehicle tech with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth to keep you connected. Kia’s DriveWise, a suite of driver-assist systems, comes standard on the Niro PHEV. These systems use radar and optical sensors to monitor your Niro’s surroundings and alert you to potential hazards.
Kia Niro EV
The Niro EV comes with all the features of the gas and hybrid powertrain models but in an all-electric platform. So you get the benefits of electric power with all the comfort and convenience features you want in an SUV. In addition, its athletic profile, wide stance, and sculpted proportions provide an attractive style.
The Niro EV can drive up to 293 miles on a full charge. It also features a fast-charging 100-kWh direct current (DC) connection that adds 100 miles of range in less than 30 minutes. This battery and electric motor put out 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, enabling a thrilling driving experience. In addition, the Niro EV has the all-wheel-drive capability to handle various road conditions and weather.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
The full-size Sorento Hybrid combines the power of a turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor to produce 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid SUV gets a total of 655 miles of driving range on a full charge and gas tank. Plus, it gets an EPA-estimated 37 MPG combined driving rating.
You can opt for all-wheel drive to gain more capability and performance. In addition, you have three rows of seats and room for up to seven passengers. Passenger volume drops to six when you choose second-row captain’s chairs. In-vehicle tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth operate through the 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Kia Sorento PHEV
image via Kia USA
With Kia’s plug-in hybrid technology, you get impressive range and ratings. The Sorento PHEV can drive 32 miles on a fully charged battery in all-electric mode. Using gas and electric power, the Sorento can travel 460 miles before needing to refuel and recharge. The EPA estimates the Sorento PHEV gets 79 MPGe, making it a very efficient full-size SUV.
The powertrain combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce 262 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In addition, the Sorento PHEV has the most passenger volume and second-row legroom of any PHEV in its class.
Kia EV6 Crossover
The latest EV from Kia, the EV6 Crossover, has incredible curb appeal. Kia adopted a futuristic exterior design that features soft curves and sharp lines to affect an athletic posture. Inside, Kia’s augmented reality head-up display and onboard power generator deliver the future today. Kia’s onboard power generator can operate your small electronics or larger camping equipment.
You can configure the EV6 in either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive. Kia’s lithium-ion battery and electric motor put out up to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough power to allow the EV6 to clock a zero to 60 mph time in just 4.6 seconds.
Huffines Kia Corinth knows that as EVs evolve, the power, performance, and technology will continue to improve. That’s why we plan on offering Corinth drivers the most expansive inventory of EVs and PHEVs in the region. If you’re interested in learning more about Kia’s EV lineup, we invite you to contact us. Or, if you prefer a hands-on demonstration, you can stop by our dealership on South Interstate 35 East. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will show you the electrified Kia lineup and let you take your favorite for a spin.