Plug Into Progress: Exploring Kia’s Dynamic Hybrid and EV Lineup at Kiefer Kia

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity due to their cost savings, modern amenities, and environmental friendliness. If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of a new electric vehicle, a Kia model is a great choice. Below, we’ll help you understand the differences between the types of electric vehicles, along with the electric models available from Kia, so that you know everything you need to know before making a purchase.

Understanding the Electrified Spectrum: Hybrid vs. PHEV vs. EV

Image courtesy of Kia

When browsing electric vehicle options, you’ll encounter three primary types: Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). To start, hybrids are vehicles that use both a typical gas-powered engine and an electric motor. In a hybrid, the battery helps to power the vehicle, lessening the load on the engine and saving gas. In turn, the engine keeps the battery charged as you drive so that you don’t have to charge it yourself.

Plug-in hybrids are similar, except you can charge the vehicle’s battery by plugging it into a charger. This allows PHEV models to typically provide more power, as they can use larger batteries. Lastly, EV models don’t have a gas-powered engine at all. They are powered entirely by electric motors and require that you charge the battery at a charging station when it becomes depleted. Each version has its pros and cons, so you’ll want to carefully consider each to determine which is best for you.

Explore Kia’s EV Lineup: Models To Watch

Kia has a wide range of electric models to choose from, making it easy to find one that fits your particular needs. Your options include:

The Kia Niro

First up, the Kia Niro is a versatile compact crossover. It offers owners excellent fuel economy inside a stylish, compact ride, making it ideal for city and suburban driving. The Kia Niro is available in a few configurations, including Hybrid, PHEV, and EV models. With the Hybrid version, expect fuel efficiency ratings around 53/54 mpg city/highway, while the PHEV offers an estimated 108 MPGe and 33 miles of all-electric range. With the fully-electric Niro, you can drive an impressive 253 miles on a single charge, meaning fewer stops.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid / PHEV

For something a little larger, consider the new Kia Sportage. The Sportage is available in both hybrid and PHEV versions, depending on your preferences. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a little more space and rugged capabilities compared to the Kia Niro, ideal for families and those weekend getaways. The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers up to 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, while the PHEV has estimates of 36/35 mpg, respectively. Finally, the Kia Sportage is available with all-wheel drive, making it more capable in challenging weather conditions and when driving off the beaten path.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid

Moving up in size again, the next offering from Kia is the Sorento Hybrid, a three-row SUV. While many three-row SUVs on the market are gas-guzzlers, the Sorento Hybrid stands out by offering an efficient alternative. With EPA ratings of around 36 mpg for both city and highway, you can get the extra space you need without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency. The PHEV models are similarly efficient, coming in at 33/34 mpg city/highway, and it can travel up to 30 miles with just electricity on a single charge. This means you can drive locally without using gas.

The Kia EV6

If you’re looking for an all-electric vehicle, rather than a hybrid or PHEV, Kia has you covered with the Kia EV6. The EV6 uses either a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle or a setup that adds an extra electric motor to the front axle to enable all-wheel drive.

There are also two battery packs available: a 63 kWh battery that provides up to 237 miles of range or the larger 84 kWh battery that extends the range up to 319 miles. All of this is housed within a modern and stylish exterior, which pairs well with the comfortable and spacious cabin, making the EV6 the total package.

The Kia EV9

Finally, there’s the Kia EV9, an all-electric three-row SUV. The EV9 is the way to go if you’re after a luxurious, spacious, and family-friendly all-electric SUV. Inside, there’s ample seating for six or seven passengers, modern tech like a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and the latest safety technologies like automated emergency braking and a hands-free driving mode. Kia provides all this without sacrificing too much efficiency, with the EV9 capable of getting around 80 to 89 MPGe, depending on the drivetrain you select.

Charging Your Kia EV or PHEV

To keep your new Kia EV or PHEV running, you’ll need a reliable charging source. For this, you have a few options. The most common is to charge your Kia at home, which requires off-street parking and a home charging point. If you opt for this route, be sure to ask your electricity provider about what programs they have for EV owners and explore rebate options available in Oregon for installing charging ports in your home.

If you don’t want to charge at home, there are public charging ports available all throughout Oregon. Your Kia infotainment system can provide you with directions to all the nearby locations, or you can search for them online.

Why Choose Kiefer Kia for Your Electrified Journey?

When you decide to get a new Kia model, it’s essential to get it from the right place. Here at Kiefer Kia, our highly knowledgeable team can help you select the perfect Kia from our extensive inventory for your needs. Then, after choosing the perfect Kia, we’ll walk you through our hassle-free process, including exploring all our incentive programs and determining whether a lease or financing is right for you. Finally, we’re here long after you leave our lot with your new Kia, with our Service Center offering long-term maintenance and repair services.

Explore Our Kia Hybrid Lineup & EV Inventory Today!

If you’re in the Eugene, Oregon, area, Kiefer Kia has all the latest electric Kia models for you to explore. Contact us today to schedule a visit, and we’d be happy to take you out for a test-drive.