Welcome to Tom Kadlec Kia, your home for all your Kia automotive needs in Rochester, MN. If you’re looking to improve your commute with a new Kia, perhaps you’ve considered one of our electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid models. If so, we have an expansive inventory of quality vehicles at prices to fit any budget. Let’s take a look at our lineup of EV and hybrid models to help you decide which vehicle suits you best.
The Difference Between Hybrid and EVs
The electrification of automobiles has been around for over a decade. Still, many people don’t fully understand the difference between hybrid, electric, and gas-powered vehicles. Manufacturers have used the internal combustion engine for over 100 years, but industry experts see the future of this powertrain on the decline. That’s due to the rise in popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles.
A hybrid vehicle combines the internal combustion engine with any motor that uses an alternative fuel source. In most cases, manufacturers use electrical power as this fuel source. In a hybrid, you find a battery that powers an electric motor to propel the vehicle.
The electric motor can operate with the internal combustion engine or on its own to improve fuel economy. When working in all-electric mode, the range of a hybrid vehicle varies between 15 miles up to 50 miles. The range depends on the size of the battery.
In a hybrid powertrain, the internal combustion engine recharges the battery. Plug-in hybrid vehicles have a larger battery and can recharge by plugging into an electrical outlet, either at home or at a nearby charging station.
An electric vehicle uses a battery and an electric motor to propel the car without an internal combustion engine. The battery in an EV has a much larger capacity than those found in hybrid vehicles. As a result, the driving range significantly increases. Manufacturers see future EVs routinely topping 300 miles of range on a full charge, so it isn’t uncommon for EVs to have a range of 200 miles or more.
Now that you understand the differences, let’s explore the Kia lineup of electrified vehicles.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
This crossover SUV has all the space and versatility you expect from an SUV, with the efficiency of plug-in hybrid technology. The Niro uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to power the drive the wheels. In addition, the Niro has a premium interior with available leather appointments and the latest in-vehicle tech to keep you connected.
The EPA estimates the Niro gets 45 MPG combined city and highway driving with a 105 MPGe rating when adding in electric power. In all-electric mode, you get 26 miles of driving range before you need to switch to the gasoline engine. Kia uses regenerative braking to help recharge the battery while driving. However, regenerative braking doesn’t capture enough power to charge the battery fully. As a result, you only see an increase in driving range and still have to plug in at some point to get a full charge.
Kia Niro EV
Kia took the Niro SUV to an all-electric version. You still get all the comfort and convenience features you crave with the capability of an SUV. Now, you enjoy the benefits of efficient electric power. Plus, its wide stance and sculpted sides provide an attractive and athletic profile.
The Niro EV boasts a driving range of 293 miles on a full charge. Also, it comes with a fast-charging capability that can add 100 miles of driving range in under 30 minutes using a 100-kWh direct current (DC) fast charging outlet.
The electric motor and battery powertrain can produce an impressive 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet torque. This power allows for a spirited driving experience and handling adverse weather and various road surfaces.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Sorento Hybrid delivers the impressive power of a turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor. This full-size SUV produces 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and gets a 37 MPG combined rating from the EPA. In addition, the Sorento Hybrid gets up to 655 miles of driving range on a full charge and a full tank of gas.
Available all-wheel drive adds performance to this versatile SUV. Three rows of seats offer plenty of room for six with second-row captain’s chairs standard. In addition, you get Kia’s suite of driver-assist technologies to help you drive safer. Also, your in-vehicle tech runs through the sizeable 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid technology in the Sorento enables all-electric driving or the combination of the gas engine and electric motor to deliver impressive range and ratings. In all-electric mode, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets up to 32 miles on a full charge. Combined with a full gas tank, the total range increases to 460 miles. Plus, the EPA gives the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid an MPGe rating of 79.
Kia uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined system horsepower of 262 and 258 pound-feet of torque. Plus, you’ll enjoy the ample passenger and cargo room of the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. It has the most passenger volume and second-row legroom of any plug-in hybrid SUV in its class.
Kia EV6 Crossover
Kia’s newest electric vehicle, the EV6, comes with exceptional exterior style. Its futuristic design features sharp lines, soft curves, and an athletic posture. Inside, the future pops with the augmented reality head-up display and available onboard power generator (OPG). The OPG can power everything from small electronics to camping equipment.
The EV6 comes in a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration. The lithium-ion battery and electric motor produce incredible power, with some models putting out 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the EV6 travels from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
At Tom Kadlec Kia, we know that electric vehicles will continue to evolve, offering drivers more power, performance, and technology. Therefore, we intend to continue providing Rochester drivers the best selection of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles Kia has to offer. If you’re ready to explore the latest EVs Kia has, we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a personal demonstration.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.