Now Available: Kia EVs

Canadian fleets can now order three exciting electric vehicles from Kia.
Kia Canada has announced the addition of electric vehicles to their fleet program. “Electric vehicles are now available to our fleet customers, offering a wider range of options for fleet customers,” says Kia Canada’s National Fleet Sales Manager, Spencer Watson.
Electric vehicles are now a large part of Kia Canada’s offering, and according to Watson, Kia plans to grow their electrified product line up, offering an even more diverse portfolio of zero-emission vehicles in the next few years.
Currently, Kia offers three battery electric vehicles (BEVs): Niro EV, EV6, and the EV9 (a three-row SUV). “Range is the question our fleet customers most often ask about,” Watson adds, “and we’re happy to be able to say that our BEVs offer a range between 407 to almost 500 km on a single charge. That’s important, because many people still think that BEVs offer limited range. However, we’ve come a long way, and today’s BEVs can go a lot further on a single charge.”
Range-preserving technologies
One of the reasons why Kia can boast these impressive range numbers is the fact that their engineers have employed key technologies to help preserve battery power, even in our cold Canadian climate. A prime example is the use of heat pumps, which are employed in place of some of the more conventional cabin-warming systems.
Heat pumps are standard equipment on all EV6 and EV9 models, as well as on mid to higher-level trims on the Niro EV.
Heat pumps have been used in the housing industry for years, helping homeowners reduce their heating bills by making homes more energy-efficient. Now, Kia has taken that same technology, and modified it to make BEVs more energy-efficient.
“Heat pumps make a big difference,” Watson explains. “They help to preserve range in cold weather by a significant margin.
Charging
Besides adding BEVs to their fleet program here in Canada, Kia has announced that fleet customers can now purchase Level 2 chargers directly from Kia. “This means that the chargers and the vehicles can be part of the same transaction,” Watson explains. “So if you’re financing the purchase of a number of BEVs and chargers from Kia, it all gets rolled into one payment. This also means that our fleet customers don’t have to shop around for the right Level 2 chargers. We’ve simplified the process to save them time.”
While Level 2 chargers are a must, some fleets will likely want to take advantage of DC fast chargers, where BEVs can plug in and charge their batteries in minutes.
“All of Kia’s BEVs are capable of fast charging,” Watson explains. “The EV6 and EV9, in particular, come with an 800-volt charging architecture, which can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes.”
A closer look: Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV boasts a range of 407 km, and is available with an energy-efficient heat pump, which improves overall range on cold winter days. Heated front seats are standard, a heated steering wheel is available, and with remote cabin warming (accessible through the Kia Connect smartphone app), even the coldest Canadian mornings are a bit more bearable.
The Niro EV is packed with advanced safety systems including Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Lane Keep & Follow Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
[caption id="attachment_413440" align="aligncenter" width="758"] The Kia EV6 is available with unique features, including a next-generation head-up display. Credit: Kia[/caption]
EV6
All EV6 models come with an energy-efficient heat pump, a range of up to 499 km, and the 800-volt charging architecture for fast DC level charging. Available in all-wheel or rear-wheel drive configurations, the EV6 comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features (including the base model), and offers excellent rear seat room and cargo capacity.
The EV6 is available with unique features, including a next-generation head-up display that uses augmented reality to project a three-dimensional image of driving information onto the inside of the windshield. Like the Niro EV, it’s packed with advanced safety systems, and is available with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that can supply up to 1900 watts of AC power for power tools, electronic devices and other electric equipment.
[caption id="attachment_413442" align="aligncenter" width="758"] The newest addition to Kia’s family of BEVs is the EV9. Credit: Kia[/caption]
EV9
The newest addition to Kia’s family of BEVs is the EV9. This feature-rich all-electric three-row SUV boasts a range of up to 489 km, and is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lb. (2,267 kg).
The EV9 is available with some of Kia’s most advanced and impressive technologies, including the new Digital Key 2.0 Premium, which turns the driver’s smartphone into a key that locks and unlocks the doors. In addition, a Share Key feature lets the vehicle owner share full or limited access to the vehicle with someone else, turning the recipient’s phone into a temporary digital key. Most impressive is the fact that the phone never has to leave the pocket, briefcase, purse or bag.