Guide to Kia EVs

At the forefront of South Korean automobile innovation, Kia has progressed from a small brand to one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers, leading the pack on vehicle technology across all budgets.

With the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) on the horizon for the automobile industry, there has been a rapid expansion in the Kia electric car line-up, with a variety of options that come built in with advanced safety and technology features. Alongside the highly competitive pricing that Kia offers, it’s clear to see why the company is dominating the market.

If you’re considering buying an EV from Kia, check out our guide to discover the best option for you. Make an informed decision with Hertz.

All about Kia

Kia was founded in 1944 with humble origins as a steel tubing and bicycle parts company. However, it was eventually able to grow and enter the automobile industry, firstly with motorcycles and then rapidly developing as an innovative manufacturer of cheap and reliable vehicles.

More than 75 years after its inception, Kia has become one of the top car manufacturers in South Korea, second only to its parent company Hyundai. Within this journey, Kia has released iconic vehicles such as the Sportage, Soul and Seltos, which have achieved both great commercial and critical success.

Exploring Kia EVs – are Kia electric cars any good?

In 2011, Kia entered the EV space with a compact electric car called the Kia Ray. Despite a boxy look, this compact car had quite the pep in its step. With its 86-mile range, it was a hit with city commuters. Kia has continued to expand into EVs with improvements to the Ray and other offerings such as the Niro and Soul, as well as the signature line of EV6s.

With a view to creating affordable cars without sacrificing style or luxury, Kia has managed to carve a unique niche in the market.

Its electric vehicles offer a unique mix of features to cater for all tastes – from the stylish and hi-tech to the practical.

Kia Niro EV

If you’re looking for something that packs the punch of an EV with the power of a sub-compact crossover, the Kia Niro might be the car for you. Released in 2016, this crossover instantly became popular with a smooth ride for up to five passengers and a ton of cargo space. Starting at $39,450, this EV is a great multi-utility option for the driver who wants a bit more from their car.

Specs

• Vehicle type: Sub-compact crossover[VR(S1]
• Iterations: 3 (1st Gen introduced in 2018 as a South Korea exclusive; 2nd Gen Niro introduced in 2021; 3rd Gen in 2023)· 
• Range: 239 miles (Gen 1/Gen 2); 253 miles (Gen 3)
• Battery size: 64 kWh
• Charging speed: 10hrs – 7kW home wall box charger; 45 mins to 80% – 50 kWh rapid charging.

The Niro is a great option for those who want the practicality of an EV with off-road capabilities and a robust drive.

Kia Soul EV

Released in 2014, the EV version of the Kia Soul was built to capitalize on the hugely successful market presence of this popular hatchback. [CH(S3] Built with a unique blend of design elements that look futuristic yet capture the Soul’s essence, this hatchback is a great way to enter the EV market.

Specs

• Vehicle type: EV hatchback[VR(S4]
• Iterations: 2 (1st Gen introduced in 2014; 2nd Gen Soul introduced in 2020)
• Range: 93 miles (Gen 1); 280 miles (Gen 2)
• Battery size: 27 kWh (Gen 1); 64 kWh (Gen 2)
• Charging speed: 10.5hrs – 7kW home wall box charger; 1hr to 80% – 50 kWh rapid charging.

Kia’s Soul is the budget offering in its line of EVs, delivering a practical yet fun experience for someone considering an electric vehicle as their next car.

Kia EV6

The first dedicated electric vehicle in Kia’s line-up, the EV6 was a hotly anticipated electric SUV crossover. The EV6 burst on to the market loaded with a ton of features, such as ultra-fast charging, dynamic lighting and a smart tailgate.

Specs

• Vehicle type: Crossover SUV
• Iterations: Gen 1; EV6 GT model
• Range: 300 miles
• Battery size: Choice of 58 kWh or 77.4 kWh battery pack
• Charging speed: 18 minutes to 80% – signature ultra-fast charging technology.
• As a high-quality EV with a long range, the EV6 starts at $48,700 and offers a competitive price-to-spec ratio.

Future Kia models

Kia has released teasers for a range of EVs planned for launch by 2027. Starting with its recent EV6, it’s thought to be eyeing at least six more models, such as SUVs and sedans.

The brand has indicated that the new models will be known as EV1 through EV9, offering a complete range of electric cars to fit every category. Kia’s next generation of dedicated EVs will be built on a new E-GMP model, which will bring significant improvements to the driving experience, better charging and a more well-rounded drivetrain.

Kia offers a range of EV options to suit all your daily driving needs. Whether you’re interested in the spacious and stylish Soul EV, the versatile and eco-friendly Niro EV, or the cutting-edge and futuristic EV6, Kia has got a great electric ride to suit you.

Still wondering about other options? For a more extensive review, check out our complete EV guides, which give you a breakdown of other competitive electric cars from brands such as Hyundai, Nissan and BMW.