The Kia Electric & Hybrid range
Charging ahead with hybrid, plug-in hybrid & EVs.
Take the lead. Drive electric.
Switching to a Kia Electric or Hybrid vehicle is easier than you might think. Kia offers a variety of models with Hybrid, Plug‐In Hybrid or Battery Electric powertrains. Discover their benefits and which is best for you.
Kia EV9
All‐electric large SUV
Re‐envisioning electric SUV design, the all‐new Kia EV9 is our flagship 7‐seat SUV. Equipped with pioneering technology never before seen in a Kia, our statement luxury EV perfectly combines sophistication & versatility.
Kia EV6
Performance all‐electric crossover SUV
Road blazing performance is not the first thought that comes to mind when thinking of EVs.
Enter the Kia EV6, offering super‐car like acceleration and outstanding braking performance. A dedicated Battery EV (BEV) platform combined with an Australian Tuned Chassis delivers confident and controlled cornering and compliant ride comfort. Fall in love with driving again.
Kia Niro
All‐electric & hybrid crossover SUV
Sleek yet striking, with bold head-turning design both stylish and aerodynamic, the Kia Niro SUV is built to enhance the everyday.
Innovation, comfort & versatility is at its core with a full complement of advanced connectivity and smart safety features. Available in both hybrid & pure electric.
How do Kia hybrids work?
When driving off from a stop position
When accelerating from a stationary position and travelling at low speeds, hybrid cars are powered by the electric motor (which draws on the battery power). This is one reason why hybrids are particularly efficient during city driving.
When driving at moderate speed
When cruising, hybrids are powered mainly by the combustion engine ‐ as this is where the combustion engine works most efficiently. Depending on the driving condition (road gradient, engine load) the vehicle may seamlessly transition between petrol and electric power at speeds of up to 120kph.
Under hard acceleration
When you have your foot down firmly on the accelerator pedal, both the combustion engine and electric motor work together to maximise the power output to the wheels. This is thanks to the clever transmission, which combines the torque output of each powertrain at the same time.
When braking or cruising
Whenever you apply the brakes or take your foot off the accelerator pedal, hybrid cars do two things: they stop feeding power to the wheels and use the power of the rotating wheels to recuperate energy while slowing down the car. This produces electricity which is used to recharge the battery for later use. This is known as regenerative braking.
Why choose a Kia EV?
Range & Fast Charging
Range anxiety is a worry of the past, with examples of Kia EVs capable of max 528km[A] of range. Most are compatible with DC Fast Charging stations, reducing charging times from hours to mere minutes.[B]
Unique driving experience
With instant acceleration response, our electric vehicles are genuinely fun to drive. Batteries are positioned underneath the car, giving them a lower centre of gravity and thus greater stability and handling.
Lower maintenance costs
With less moving parts compared to petrol and diesel engines, all‐electric vehicles require comparably less maintenance such as oil changes, spark plugs or fuel filters. You can also purchase scheduled services in advance through our Kia Service Plan program.
Sustainability
EVs have zero tailpipe emissions while hybrids have reduced amounts. In addition, some parts of our EVs such as EV6 & Niro range are made from recycled plastics and vegan leather to further lessen environmental impact.
FAQ
- What is a Hybrid (HEV)?
A hybrid car has two powertrains rather than one. Whereas a conventional car is powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric car is powered by a battery/electric motor, a hybrid car is powered by a combination of both. It is able to switch between both powertrains or make them work together to power the car forward with maximum efficiency. As a result, fuel efficiency is greatly improved particularly in stop-and-start city driving.
- What is a Plug‐In Hybrid (PHEV)?
A plug-in hybrid car works in the same way as a standard hybrid car, except that it has a larger battery and gives you the option of charging it from an electric outlet. In the case of Niro PHEV, you can enjoy up to 58kms of pure electric range (NEDC) on one charge. When the electric range is depleted, the car automatically switches to conventional hybrid mode. As 73% of commuters in Australia travel less than 20 km[C] to work each day this means that most people can complete their daily commute on pure electric power.
- What is a Full Electric Vehicle (BEV / EV)?
An electric car is just like any other car, except it uses a battery to drive a powerful electric motor. Instead of refuelling at a petrol station, you simply recharge at home, or at one of the growing number of public charge points. Kia Niro EV for example has a 455km electric range (WLTP) and is capable of DC fast charging at up to 100kw (0‐80% in 54 minutes).
- How do electric cars work?
Electric cars work by using an electric motor, which gets it’s power from a rechargeable battery pack instead of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). Then, the electric vehicle is plugged into a charging station or point, the electricity for which can be sourced from a power grid.
- How do electric cars charge?
An electric car is just like any other car, except it uses a battery to drive a powerful electric motor. Instead of refuelling at a petrol station, you simply recharge at home (optional charger available at additional cost), or at one of the growing number of paid public charge points.
Dedicated charging stations or ports are available across the country. However, there are different levels of chargers (Level 1, 2 and 3), which charge your car at different speeds and use different kWhs. The battery power and the how long electric cars travel in a single range, vary greatly by vehicle.
As of July 2022, Australia currently has just over 3,000 charging stations, which range from supercharged to standard outlets. The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia displays a map, which showcases all the active charging stations in the country.
[A]Up to 528km range on EV6 Air grade. Figure based on WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test, which measure, energy consumption, range and emissions in passenger vehicles, designed to provide figures closer to real-world driving behaviour. Real life driving results will vary depending on a combination of driving style, type of journey, vehicle configuration, battery age and condition, use of vehicle features (such as heating and air conditioning), as well as operating, environmental and climate conditions.
[B]EV6 utilising a public 350kW DC charger
[C]Australian Bureau of Statistics 2071.0.55.001
*Terms and conditions for Warranty, Kia Service Plans and Roadside Assistance can be found here.