Kia Niro EV... 200 bhp...64 kwh battery...238 miles range

[EddieSteadyGo]

I hadn't really heard too much about this, but the launch details for this new EV is saying it will have a 64 kwh battery, 200 bhp motor, and 238 miles of realistic range.

https://www.cnet.com/uk/videos/kia-readies-electri...

I suspect we won't see this EV in the UK for another 12-18 months, but the interesting thing is that we are seeing another mainstream manufacturer launcing an EV with a battery back over the 60 kwh size.

I suspect that in two years time all new EVs will be at least 60 kwh, with the exception of the very smallest city-cars.

[jjwilde]

60+ is the area where it's just like a normal car. You can drive from Newcastle to London and charge half way just like you might with a petrol car.

Even in a freezing winter it's still going to easily do 150+ miles.

I think once these cars are out and on decent PCP deals we will see a crazy fast shift to EV.

[EddieSteadyGo]

Completely agree. And you get the benefit of charging it at home overnight for circa 2-3p per mile. From a car point of view, roll on 2020.

[jason61c]

jjwilde said:

60+ is the area where it's just like a normal car. You can drive from Newcastle to London and charge half way just like you might with a petrol car.

Even in a freezing winter it's still going to easily do 150+ miles.

I think once these cars are out and on decent PCP deals we will see a crazy fast shift to EV.

Erm its not. Normal car does about 500miles or more on a single fill. without having to stop to spend 45 minutes 'filling'.

[rscott]

jason61c said:

jjwilde said:

60+ is the area where it's just like a normal car. You can drive from Newcastle to London and charge half way just like you might with a petrol car.

Even in a freezing winter it's still going to easily do 150+ miles.

I think once these cars are out and on decent PCP deals we will see a crazy fast shift to EV.

Erm its not. Normal car does about 500miles or more on a single fill. without having to stop to spend 45 minutes 'filling'.

How often do most people need to drive 500+ miles in a single journey without a break?
If a car can start each day with 200 miles range (after charging overnight at home) then it's capable of completing the majority of journeys the average user takes.

Of course it doesn't suit everyone's needs, but it would certainly be more than capable of fulfilling the requirements of most.

[jason61c]

For the cars to take off, needs to cover the average’executive’ type needs, so Range is very important. Lots of people do a 200 mile drive, without needing to plan that one of a few chargers are free at the one stop that makes the time requirements stack up.

[jjwilde]

jason61c said:

Erm its not. Normal car does about 500miles or more on a single fill. without having to stop to spend 45 minutes 'filling'.

They don't though do they, my (old) BMW does about 300-350miles before needing a refill.

Plus I absolutely could not do the Newcastle to London drive without stopping just to chill out about 2 hours in to it.

So stopping for 30mins and charging for free (or paying a small amount far far cheaper than petrol/diesel) works for me.

I guess if you really do drive 500miles without stopping then EVs are not for you, but seeing as that would be a tiny fraction of car owners it does mean a 250mile EV would work for *almost* everyone else, and that's before you consider the crazy cost savings/free parking/free congestion zone etc.