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2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid revealed, boasts 26 miles of electric range

The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid was introduced Thursday at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, adding a considerably larger battery pack to the existing Niro Hybrid crossover. With an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range, the Niro Plug-in is in the same ballpark as most other plug-in hybrid models like the Toyota Prius Prime (25 miles), Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in (29 miles) and Kia's own Optima Plug-in (29 miles). The Chevrolet Volt is the king of the castle at 53 miles. When the all-electric range is exhausted, it'll get 48 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 46 mpg combined. That's actually a bit worse than the regular Niro (51 city/46 highway/49 combined), though that difference isn't as great it might seem given actual gas burned and the all-electric range. The estimated mile-per-gallon-equivalent rating is 105 MPGe. That's actually about the same as the Volt (106) and Optima (103), but less than the Prius Prime (133) and Ioniq (119). This is all achieved by the addition of a 8.9-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 60-horsepower (44.5-kw) electric motor. This compares to the regular Niro Hybrid's 1.56-kWh battery pack and 43-hp motor. Despite its greater capacity, the battery doesn't take up any extra interior space, still fitting under the back seat and cargo area. It can be recharged in approximately 2.5 hours using a 240V charger, or in less than 9 hours using a regular household 120V outlet. Besides the powertrain, the Niro Plug-in is essentially the same beyond a few minor styling updates. There is a slightly different "grille" insert and some blue trim accents. It can also be equipped with LED headlamps. Related Video:

Recharge Wrap-up: Kia Soul EV, Renault Zoe range boosts

California has removed its limit on the number of HOV lane access stickers available for plug-in hybrids. While the state removed limits for white stickers for solo drivers of battery electric vehicles to use the carpool lane, the green stickers for PHEVs and range-extended EVs had a limit of 85,000, which was reached months ago. Now, BEVs and PHEVs will each have an unlimited number of access stickers until the program expires on January 1, 2019. Read more at Green Car Reports. Kia could improve the driving range of the Soul EV in order to better compete with newer offerings. While its 93-mile range was competitive with most EVs when it was launched as a 2015 model, the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 have since surpassed it, and other forthcoming affordable EVs like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 will set the bar even higher. As such, Autocar says the Soul EV should get a range boost with a mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model year. Read more at Autocar, and at Green Car Reports. Renault said to be set to unveil a new Zoe EV with a driving range of over 200 miles. With a debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the popular European EV hatchback will about double its current range. Using a new battery pack from LG Chem, as well as a smaller, more efficient electric motor, the improved range would help make the Zoe even more popular as people make the switch to electric driving in Europe. Read more from Electrek. Related Gallery 2016 Renault Zoe Z.E.: Geneva 2016 View 16 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports, Green Car Reports, Autocar, ElectrekImage Credit: Kia Government/Legal Green Kia Renault Electric recharge wrapup

2017 Kia Model Year Preview and Updates

Kia continues its growing market momentum on the strength of three all-new intros and/or updates, along with its selection as a top pick by Consumer Reports. Kia's Niro - pictured above - is an all-new hybrid, combining a fairly conventional crossover profile with front-wheel drive and up to 50 miles-per-gallon. Also of note: Later in the '17 calendar year most dealers will receive the all-new STINGER GT, first introduced at the '17 Detroit Auto Show. KIA CADENZA: Kia's upsized, upscale Cadenza presents a near-luxury ownership experience without the penalty of a near-luxury price point. Its new platform is stronger, lighter and more rigid, while the interior is dramatically upscale. Finally, the Cadenza boasts Kia's first application of an eight-speed automatic in a front-wheel drive powertrain. FORTE: Kia's sedan and hatchback enjoy freshened styling and a new, 2.0-liter base powertrain. There is also the optional availability of a whole suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning and Dynamic Bending Light, which allows your lights to follow the direction of your steering wheel. K900: Kia's large, rear-wheel-drive sedan is unchanged for 2017. NIRO: Kia's all-new hybrid crossover is an outlier in the hybrid segment, with the high hip point and generous greenhouse of a crossover and a projected EPA estimate of 50 miles per gallon (combined) efficiency. It is powered by a normally-aspirated 1.6-liter four and electric motor, delivering a total system horsepower of 139, and 195 pound-feet of torque. OPTIMA: Following a redesign in 2016, Kia's midsize entry enjoys package refinements, standard 18-inch wheels on SX trim, a new value package on the 1.6T and new colors. More significant is the addition of both an Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The Hybrid promises to be 10-percent more efficient, while the plug-in will offer an estimated electric-only range of 27 miles. RIO: New colors and a discontinued four door SX highlight the changes. SOUL: Kia's two-box box adds new alloy wheel designs, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on Plus and Excalibur trims. And news of two new colors pales when compared to the Soul Exclaim's new turbo powerplant, connected to a seven-speed DCT transmission. SOUL EV: UVO eco is now on EV and EV+, while all trims receive an upgraded fast charge and a second-generation Pedestrian Warning System.