LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

Pros Cons Large Tires For EV Range and Performance

How Larger Tires Affect EV Range and Performance

Larger alloy wheels and tire sizes have an aesthetic appeal that a lot of car buyers enjoy but there are practical disadvantages to it. We are sure you must’ve heard that installing larger tires on your EV has signficant influence on the range and performance. Knowing the importance of choosing the right tire is anyway important, but it becomes even more critical with electric cars where range of the prime concern. Range anxiety continues to plague the mass adoption of electric cars, in addition to a lot of other factors. That is why it is of paramount importance that one optimizes the parameters that are in your hands. That is where the right tire size comes into the picture. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging Effects of Larger Tires on EV Range Larger tires are generally of two types – bigger diameter or broader width. The latter is known as low-profile tires which we witness on performance cars often. The reason is quite simple – broader width means a larger area of contact with the ground, resulting in better grip and traction, especially under hard acceleration and around the corners. Also, tires with bigger diameter mostly are low-profile tires, but it is not necessarily always the case. Now, the drag coefficient of resistance of an electric car depends on the frontal area of the car, in addition to many other factors. When the tires are broader, the frontal area of the car increases, increasing the resistance to motion. Hence, more energy is needed to move the EV. Also, larger tires are heavier. This means that more sprung mass is added for the powertrain to pull. Hence, the range is reduced and so is the performance. You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Tesla Model 3 – 19″ vs 18″ Wheels For Tesla Model 3 Long Range version, the official EPA-estimated range with 19″ wheels is 315 mi, whereas, with 18″ wheels, it is 333 mi. This is a difference of around 5% just because of the tire size. When you are perilously low on juice on a highway, a difference of 18 mi could be a lot. EV vs Non-EV Tires Another relevant aspect while going for new tires is whether or not these are designed for EVs. One might think of saving some dollars by getting a similar-looking non-EV tire. Well, there are tiny details when it comes to tires that most car owners can easily overlook. That could lead to a significant altercation to some aspects of your car. These include things like tire noise, durability, rolling resistance, efficiency, performance, braking and more. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect tire. You might also like: 5 Unique Features on Jeep Avenger You Might Not Know About There are always trade-offs. The carmaker chooses the right tire size after a lot of research to strike a balance between all aforementioned factors. Therefore, sticking to the OE tire might be the best option. Alternatively, you must approach a professional and understand the pros and cons, in case you wish to get new tires. Having trade-offs is not necessarily a bad thing if you are willing to make that compromise.

Electric Cars Repair Costs vs Petrol and Diesel Cars

Are Repair Costs of Electric Cars Lower Than Petrol & Diesel Cars?

25 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

We have been led to believe that the high initial costs of EVs can be offset by low running and repair costs over the duration of ownership. Calculating the repair costs of electric cars can be a tricky affair. As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, EVs have gained significant popularity for their eco-friendly features and cost-saving potential. In this blog post, we shall explore the factors that influence repair costs for electric and petrol and diesel cars, comparing the two to determine whether EVs truly offer a financial advantage in terms of maintenance and repairs. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Repair Costs of Electric Cars Battery Costs We are sure that almost everyone knows by now that the batteries of EVs cost almost half the total price of an electric car. Hence, it is the biggest and the most expensive single component in an eco-friendly vehicle. While electric vehicle batteries are designed to last a long time, they do degrade over time and may require replacement after a certain number of years or miles. Battery replacement costs can vary significantly depending on the make and model of the electric car. However, it is worth noting that many electric vehicle manufacturers provide warranties on their batteries, offering coverage for repair or replacement costs within a specific time or mileage limit Design of EVs vs ICE Cars Electric cars have simpler mechanical designs compared to petrol cars because they have fewer moving parts, no exhaust systems and no complex internal combustion engines. This simplicity often translates into lower repair costs for electric cars. With fewer components prone to wear and tear, the potential for mechanical failures and the associated repair costs can be reduced. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Low Maintenance Needs EVs have fewer maintenance requirements compared to petrol and diesel cars. For example, electric cars don’t need regular oil changes, spark plug replacements or timing belt adjustments, which are typical maintenance tasks for petrol are diesel cars. As a result, electric car owners can save on the costs associated with these routine maintenance tasks, thereby potentially lowering their overall repair costs. Specialized Repairs and Technician Expertise Electric cars have unique systems and components that require specialized knowledge and tools for repairs. As a result, repair costs for electric vehicles can sometimes be higher than those for petrol and diesel cars. Finding qualified repair shops and technicians with expertise in electric vehicle technology may also be challenging, depending on your location. These factors can contribute to higher labour costs for electric car repairs, potentially offsetting the cost-saving benefits of simpler designs and reduced maintenance requirements. Repair Costs Comparison When comparing repair costs, it’s essential to consider the upfront cost of the vehicle as well. Electric cars tend to have higher purchase prices compared to petrol cars. However, it’s worth noting that electric car manufacturers often offer incentives, tax credits, and lower operating costs (such as reduced fuel and maintenance expenses) that can offset the higher purchase price over time. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says While electric cars may have advantages in terms of simplified mechanical designs, reduced routine maintenance requirements, and lower fuel costs, it’s important to carefully consider the overall cost of ownership, including potential repair costs. While electric cars generally have lower repair costs due to fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance needs, battery-related expenses and specialized repair requirements can offset some of the savings. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, advancements in technology, increased availability of qualified repair services, and economies of scale may further contribute to lower repair costs for electric cars. Ultimately, it is crucial to research specific models, factor in warranties and incentives, and consider your unique driving patterns and requirements before determining whether the repair costs of electric cars are indeed lower than those of petrol cars.

Ford GM Rivian To Use Tesla Supercharger Network

After Ford & GM, Rivian Agrees to Use Tesla’s Supercharger Network

26 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Tesla is building a coalition that is joined by Ford, GM and now, Rivian, to make NACS (North American Charging Standard) the norm. The Rivian EV owners will now be able to use Tesla Supercharger in addition to Ford and GM EV owners. A coalition is being formed to make NACS the norm across North America. This seemingly innocuous cooperation might have far-fledged consequences as CCS-type charging is being pushed by the government. But top players like Tesla, Ford, GM and Rivian will start allowing their EV owners to use the former’s Supercharging network, leaving the CCS charging useless. You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Rivian, Ford, GM to Use Tesla Supercharger Rivian, the American EV adventure vehicle startup, has announced that starting in 2024, owners of R1T and R1S vehicles will be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network of DC fast chargers in the United States and Canada, with the help of an adaptor. By 2025, both the R1T pickup and R1S SUV will come factory-equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, eliminating the need for an adaptor. Going forward, the future EVs from Rivian based on the R2 platform will also have this connector from the factory. Ford and GM have earlier jumped on this NACS bandwagon making this coalition incredibly strong. Tesla has agreed to lend 12,000+ Superchargers to these carmakers. Note that it operates even more Superchargers but it will keep them exclusively for the Tesla EV owners. This will aid the overall EV infrastructure as more EV owners will have access to a fast-charging network. This would invariably lead to reduced range anxiety and increased peace of mind. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging Will Hyundai Also Join? Hyundai Motor Company hosted its 2023 CEO Investor Day in Seoul, South Korea on June 20, 2023. Hyundai already offers its EVs with high charging voltage capacity (400 V- 800 V). However, Tesla currently supports only up to 400 V. But we know that Tesla will increase this going forward and its own EVs will also be able to support higher voltage. On Investor Day, Hyundai’s CEO and President Jaehoon Chang said, “the company would consider joining the alliance of automakers shifting to Tesla’s standard, but that it would have to determine that was in the interest of its customers.” According to Reuters, “Chang said Hyundai would consult with Tesla to see whether it could make adjustments to its charging system for Hyundai customers so they could charge faster.” You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Learn Electric Cars Says While we understand that there is an entire political side to this saga where a huge tussle is going on between the government and carmakers, we shall discuss the impact this is likely to have on the customers. The lack of charging infrastructure continues to be one of the biggest issues preventing the mass adoption of EVs. With a coalition like this, things will only get better for the EV owners. Hence, we would appreciate this step as more electric car buyers will have access to a wider charging network, ultimately leading to the reduced range anxiety.

Tips to Save and Earn Money from EV Charging

Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging

42 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

Modern practices allow electric car owners to not only charge their cars at a time when the electricity rates are cheaper but also to earn some money by lending the power back to the grid. The automotive world has reached a point where it is no longer a question of whether the EVs are the future or not, but where people are devising ways to save and even earn money from EV charging. EV adoption is at an all-time high and the signs look promising going forward. Almost all legacy carmakers have announced ambitious plans to ensure carbon neutrality in the coming years and eliminate internal combustion engines from their lineup. In addition, new players have emerged that are manufacturing electric vehicles exclusively. Consequently, the charging infrastructure is also being developed in tandem. Here are some ways to save or earn money by charging your EV in a particular way. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Top 5 Ways to Save / Earn Money from EV Charging Complimentary EV Charging There are a lot of modern EV markers that are offering some free complimentary EV charging when you purchase a new electric car. Sure, there are not many models on which this offer is valid. Nonetheless, this is something that you need to keep an eye out for. The most prevalent EVs include Hyundai IONIQ 5 and VW ID.4. They offer 2 years and 3 years of complimentary DC charging (certain kWh per month) respectively. Charging During Off-Peak Hours Yet another common way to save a lot of money while charging your electric car is the time when you charge it. You must know that charging at home using an AC charger is anyway cheaper than charging at a DC power station. However, if you charge at home during non-peak hours, generally from 8 PM to 6 AM, you might be able to charge at an even lower price. So, plan your charging cycles accordingly. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Solar Energy to Power Your Home / EV There are many parts of the world, where solar is gaining momentum. People are installing solar panels in their homes to power their entire household. Needless to mention, this is particularly beneficial in those parts that are mostly sunny. Hence, if you install solar panels at your home and charge the EV using that source, the charging costs are bound to be extremely low. Selling Power to the Grid Another increasing trend around which startups are evolving is selling the surplus power back to the grid. We have already discussed how you should ideally charge your EVs during off-peak hours. During these times, you are paying the least amount of money to buy power. However, when you are not using your EV, you could sell it back to the grid at a time when the electricity rates are much higher, i.e., during peak hours. In this way, a symbiotic association could take place where you are using the grid to get power and also selling power to the grid to generate some profit. EV Charger Tax Credit & EV-Specific Electricity Rates Now, these are slightly nuanced measures that might be limited to only a couple of countries at the moment. But we are sure that more governments around the world could adopt it. The US government offers up to $1,000 in tax credit if you wish to install a charging station at your home. That is a necessity for EV owners and you could save some bucks in the form of tax credit. Similarly, the UK-based OVO Energy is a company that gives specific discounts for users to charge their EVs. The prices are exclusively designed for electric car charging allowing you to save some money. You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Learn Electric Cars Says Despite the exponential growth of the EV industry in the last couple of years, we are still at a nascent stage of this promising EV revolution. Hence, this is the right time to take advantage of the massive benefits and incentives being offered by the carmakers, the governments and charging players to promote mass adoption. We are certain that such measures will become more common in more nations as we go forward. This is a great window to switch from traditional ICE-powered cars to EVs. Also, we understand that these practices might not work in every country at the moment. But the aim of this blog post is to make you aware of the kinds of possibilities that exist. This would also prompt you to keep an eye out for any such new method you might come across that will help you save or earn money using your electric car.

How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies

24 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Electric cars look to be the norm going forward which is why it makes sense to acquaint ourselves with their behaviours and idiosyncrasies. Arguably the most common question among future EV owners is how to maximize EV driving range. As more vehicles get electrified, this is a valid question. Extending the distance an EV can travel on a single charge is critical for mass adoption and to appease range anxiety. In this blog, we shall explore several tips and strategies to improve electric driving range. This would range from optimizing driving habits and maximizing battery efficiency to utilizing charging infrastructure effectively. You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology How to Maximize EV Range? Regenerative Braking Firstly, let us commence by discussing a built-in feature that most EVs inherently possess – Regenerative Braking. During acceleration, the electric motor takes power from the battery to power the wheels. However, during braking, the kinetic and heat energy can be used in the reverse direction to get stored back into the battery. When the driver lifts his/her foot off the gas pedal, this reverse circulation of energy can bring the car to a complete stop. This is called energy recuperation or regenerative braking. This is a great feature that could be used on downhill slopes to get some juice back into the battery. Reducing Energy Consumption in the Cabin You might know that it is nigh impossible to get the exact driving range that is claimed by the company as per the WLTP or any other standardized test cycle. This is because the range depends on various factors including driving mannerisms and the use of energy-sucking components like HVAC, heated and ventilated seats, auxiliary audio systems, etc. Now we understand that you can’t switch off the AC when it’s scorching hot, but in the case of an emergency, you must know that turning all these functions off can help maximize the range. You might also like: Are Stricter Emission Norms Right to Push Mass EV Adoption? Battery Management and Maintenance An eminent aspect of electric cars is their battery management system. In fact, carmakers are burning a lot of cash in the development of the BMS for EVs. This takes into account how well the cooling system is, how will the battery perform outside the ideal temperature range, how often does a battery need maintenance, etc. Regularly monitoring the battery’s state of charge (SoC) and avoiding extremely high or low levels can help prolong battery life. Sticking to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules, including software updates and battery health checks, helps maintain optimal performance. Using Charging Infrastructure Prudently You would think what role can the charging infrastructure play in maximizing range, right? Well, it is well-known that prolonged fast charging of any Li-ion battery can reduce its life. Sure, it doesn’t degrade the battery too much too rapidly. But if you are planning to own an EV for 8-10 years or even beyond that, making a conscious decision of using DC rapid charging minimally can make a lot of difference. For this, proper planning is needed. You must develop the habit of charging your EV at your home or work using an AC charger. Restrict the usage of DC rapid charging for long journeys on highways. Driving Mannerisms Finally, the most effective way to maximize the driving range of an EV depends on the way you drive it. Now, this is true even to sequester the maximum fuel economy from your ICE-powered vehicle and this law holds true even in the EV world. As opposed to ICE cars, EVs are more suited for city driving and not high-speed scenarios on highways. Higher energy gets consumed in the latter case. Traditional cars are more efficient on the highways but consume a lot of fuel in bumper-to-bumper traffic. To squeeze the maximum range though, simple habits like using the throttle and brake pedal gently and not flooring it is the way to go. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 Learn Electric Cars Says These are some tips and strategies that one could incorporate in everyday life, as well as from a long-term perspective to ensure that the health of the battery is great and you are able to get the maximum range out of every charging cycle. We must also add that the R&D on batteries is still ongoing and ways to increase range and reduce charging times are surfacing every day. Hence, we might get more efficient batteries going forward.

NIO Offers $4,200 Discount on EVs to Boost Sales

35 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The premium Chinese electric car marque is hoping to fend off competition in the domestic market by offering attractive price-cuts. Chinese premium EV giant NIO offers discount of upto 30,000 Yuan ($4,200) to boost the sales of its EVs. It manufactures high-end electric cars to rival the products from prominent legacy luxury carmakers. However, it offers a lot more for the same price than these established names in the global automotive world. This formula has worked well for NIO for a long time. But the months of April and May were not great in terms of sales, forcing the EV giant to take appropriate measures to generate demand. You might also like: Nio EC7 Has a CLTC Range of 920 km – Specs & More NIO Offers Discount on EVs The Chinese market is the most competitive and fast-expanding automobile market in the world with respect to electric vehicles. New players are emerging left and right with massive support from the government in the form of subsidies. That is how NIO came into existence in 2014. Within just 8 years, it has become an eminent player in China and is already serving some key European markets. You might also like: Nio ET7 is the Premium Sedan of the Luxury Electric Car Segment For the month of May, it recorded a drop of 8% in monthly sales. Moreover, the profit margins have gone down to 5.1% in Q1 2023 (down from 18.1% in Q1 2022). This is particularly alarming because the overall market has been quite positive and most other carmakers have posted healthy results. To address this, CEO William Li said that these price-cuts have been discussed internally for quite a while after taking advice and suggestion from users. You might also like: Zeekr X Arriving in Europe Later This Year – Details NIO Stops Free Battery Swapping Service In a desperate bid to increase the depleting profit margins, the free battery swapping service of NIO will no longer be available with immediate effect. Instead, the EV owners will have to buy it separately for a one-time fee. Customers buying a NIO EV before July 31, 2023, can pay an additional 30,000 Yuan ($4,200) to get: You might also like: 5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars to Debut in 2023 – From New ID.3 to ID.7 Learn Electric Cars Says The EV market is growing at an exponential pace and the Chinese market is at the heart of it. The environment to support EV start-ups is conducive resulting in a stark rise in competition. We see the top players struggling to post consistent sales. As a result, many of them are going down the tried and tested route of offering discounts to boost sales. We will have to wait and see how long this formula will work. Also, NIO is pinning a lot of hopes on its second-gen ES6 that was launched last month. One thing is for sure, the customers stand to benefit from these price wars.

Volvo EX30 Revealed Exterior Front Three Quarters

Volvo EX30 SUV Revealed As One of The Most Powerful Volvos Ever

26 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Volvo has revealed the EX30 SUV as the fastest-accelerating vehicle ever produced by the Swedish automotive giant. Volvo EX30 SUV has been revealed making it one of the most powerful cars ever produced by the Swedish car marque. Technically, it is one of the more compact models in the portfolio measuring at just under 4.25 m in length. But the performance trim boasts some pretty insane numbers. In terms of styling, it borrows some elements from the larger and more premium EX90 like the rectangular modules in the LED headlamps with the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ pattern. You may also like: 5 Unique Features on Jeep Avenger You Might Not Know About Volvo EX30 SUV Revealed – Specs Based on Geely’s SEA platform that also underpins the Polestar 4 and Smart #1, the EX30 comes with a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD setup producing 272 hp and 428 hp of peak power respectively. The battery options include a usable 49 kWh (LFP) or a 64 kWh (NMC) offering 214 mi (344 km) and 298 mi (480 km) of range respectively. The standard single-motor version RWD can do a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in just 5.7 secs while the dual-motor AWD trim could replicate this sprint in a spine-chilling 3.4 secs making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever. Volvo EX30 Specs Battery (usable) 49 & 64 kWh Platform Geely’s SEA Drivetrain RWD / AWD Range (WLTP) 214 mi – 298 mi Range (WLTP) 344 km – 480 km Power 272 – 428 hp DC Rapid Charging 26.5 mins (10-80%) Acceleration (0-96 km/h) 5.7 secs – 3.4 secs Specs You may also like: Lexus RZ Electric SUV Outdoor Concept Looks Adventurous Interior & Features The interior of the Volvo EX30 is made up of lots of sustainable and recycled materials making it the car with the smallest carbon footprint in the entire lineup. The centre stage is inherited by a colossal 12.3-inch vertically-aligned Touchscreen Infotainment Display with Built-in Google Services, Connected Car Tech Functions, Wireless Smartphone Charging, 4 USB-C Ports, Snapdragon Chip for Fast Computing, 5G Internet, OTA Updates, a Soundbar that runs across the width of the dashboard with premium audio experience, Powered Seats, ADAS Features including Pilot Assist, Collision Avoidance Systems, Driver Alert System, Park Pilot Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Door Opening Alert, and more. You may also like: Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Specs, Features, Price, Dimensions Comparison Price and Launch Volvo is present in all major markets across the globe. In the USA, the prices start at just $34,950 (MSRP). In the UK, the entry-level version will set you back by an attractive £33,795. An even more affordable version is on its way that will retail for around £31,000. One could order the electric compact SUV right away and the deliveries are slated to commence in early 2024.

Avatr 11 Electric Crossover SUV Can Do 100 km/h in Under 4 secs

29 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Avatr Automotive is a joint venture between Changan Automobile, CATL and Huawei that manufactures premium electric cars. Avatr 11 is a premium electric crossover SUV that has commenced being manufactured since August 2022 in China. It combines the expertise of the prominent Chinese company Changan Automobile, one of the biggest electric car battery manufacturers in the world CATL and the established telecommunications and electronics giant Huawei. There are just two models on sale currently – 11 and 011 MMW Limited Edition underpinned by the EP1 platform. You might also like: Zeekr X Arriving in Europe Later This Year – Details Avatr 11 Electric SUV – Specs There are two Ternary Lithium-ion battery pack options with the Avatr 11 – a 90 kWh and a 116 kWh offering range from 555 km to 705 km on the generous CLTC cycle. The WLTP stats will have a significantly lesser range. The most powerful version has a dual-motor setup generating 578 hp and 650 Nm of peak power and torque launching the EV from 0-100 km/h in just 3.98 secs. It can be charged using an 11 kWh AC charger as standard which takes 10.5 hours for 0-100%. There is also the option of a 240 kW DC rapid charging that juices up the battery from 0-80% in just 25 mins and from 30-80% in 15 mins. The top speed is capped at 250 km/h. It also gets the battery preheating feature to keep the batteries in the optimal temperature range. Avatr 11 Specs Battery 90 & 116 kWh Platform EP1 Drivetrain 2WD / AWD Max Range (CLTC) 705 km (438 mi) Power / Torque (max) 578 hp / 650 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 3.98 secs Top Speed 200 km/h (124 mph) Specs You might also like: 5 Unique Features on Jeep Avenger You Might Not Know About Avatr 11 Electric SUV – Dimensions Avatr 11 is a premium electric mid-size crossover SUV that measures 4,880 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, 1,601 mm in height and has a wheelbase of a liberal 2,975 mm. Parameter Dimensions Length 4,880 mm Width 1,970 mm Height 1,601 mm Wheelbase 2,975 mm Dimensions You might also like: Skoda Announces 6 New Electric Cars by 2026 Interior and Features The cabin of the Avatr 11 oozes luxury at first glance. There are tons of safety features governed by 34 sensors including 3 LiDARS for ADAS functions enhancing the active safety characteristics, a 4- or 5-seat Arrangement, a 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Panel, a 15.6-inch Infotainment Display, a 10.25-inch Display for the passenger, Huawei Software, Wireless Charging Pads, 14-Speaker Premium Audio System with Road Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement, Anti-UV Panoramic Sunroof, NAPPA Leather for upholstery, 64-colour Ambient Lighting, Camera Streaming Rear View Mirror, Air Filter, 12-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Heating, Ventilation, Memory and Massage, 5G Internet Connectivity, Wi-Fi Hotspot, OTA Updates, Face ID and much more. You might also like: Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Specs, Features, Price, Dimensions Comparison Price The prices in China start from 349,000 RMB which roughly translates to $49,100 and go up to 409,000 RMB ($57,500). The range-topping 011 MMW Limited Edition retails for an attractive 600,000 RMB which is approximately $84,300.

Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV Specs, Price, Features, Dimensions Comparison

Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Specs, Features, Price, Dimensions Comparison

24 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Buyers looking for affordable EVs from Kia might find themselves a bit confused between these similarly specced and priced electric cars and this post shall help them arrive at a suitable decision. Kia is among the most prominent legacy carmakers that has successfully transitioned from making ICE-powered vehicles to electric cars and its Niro EV and Soul EV cater to the potential car buyers toward the affordable spectrum of the market. Having been around in the ICE versions for a long time, Kia has introduced the electric versions of the popular Niro and Soul. We shall compare the two in terms of specs, features, dimensions and price in this blog. You might also like: 2023 Hyundai KONA Electric vs 2023 Kia Niro EV – Specs, Range and Price Comparison Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Specs Comparison For this post, we are taking into account the comparable versions of the two. Niro EV has a 64.8 kWh li-ion polymer battery supplying power to an electric motor powering the front wheels. It produces a decent 201 hp and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of peak power and torque with a WLTP driving range of 285 miles (459 km) with 17-inch alloys. The acceleration from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) just takes 7.8 secs and the battery can be juiced up to 80% in 45 mins via a 100 kW DC rapid charger. You might also like: 2023 Kia Niro EV Wind vs Wave – Price & Features Comparison On the other hand, the Kia Soul EV, in its Explore trim, has a 64 kWh li-ion polymer battery pack with an electric motor powering front wheels for a total output of 201 hp and 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of peak power and torque. The WLTP driving range is a higher 280 miles (451 km) with 17-inch alloys and the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint is achieved in just 7.9 secs. Using the 80 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be juiced up to 80% in 54 mins. Specs Comparison Soul EV Niro EV Drivetrain FWD FWD Battery 64 kWh 64.8 kWh Range 280 mi (451 km) 285 mi (459 km) Power 201 hp 201 hp Torque 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) DC Fast Charging 54 mins (80%) 45 mins (80%) Acceleration (0-60 mph / 90 km/h) 7.9 secs 7.8 secs Specs Comparison You might also like: Kia EV9 Electric SUV Partially Revealed Via Official Teasers Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Dimensions & Storage Comparison When it comes to the dimensions and storage, Kia Niro EV is a clear favourite with significantly more space on the inside and outside. It measures 4,420 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, 1,585 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. The boot space is a healthy 475 – 1,392 litres. On the other hand, the Soul EV measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, 1,605 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The luggage compartment could only hold 315 – 1,339 litres of goods. Dimensions Soul EV Niro EV Length 4,220 mm 4,420 mm Width 1,825 mm 1,825 mm Height 1,605 mm 1,570 mm Wheelbase 2,600 mm 2,720 mm Boot Capacity 315 – 1,339 litres 475 – 1,392 litres Dimensions and Storage Comparison You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs Kia EV6 – Specs, Price Comparison Features Comparison Kia Soul EV has a 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display, Built-in Sat-Nav, 10-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System, Physical Buttons for HVAC, Heated Front Seats with Powered Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support, Heated Steering Wheel, Voice Commands, Kia Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Reverse Camera, 7 Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Tethers, TPMS, ADAS functions including Adaptive Smart Cruise Control Function, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and more. On the other hand, Kia Niro EV comes with Vegan Leather Upholstery, Heated & Ventilated Front Seats with Lumbar Support, 10.25-inch Touchscreen with a built-in Sat-Nav, Kia Connect, Head-up Display, Air Filter, Wireless Charging, Front Parking Sensors, TPMS, ADAS Functions likes the Soul EV, 7 Airbags, and more. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison Price Comparison The Kia Niro EV retails from £37,295 to £43,195 (OTR) in the UK, while the Soul EV ranges from £32,845 to £39,045 (OTR). The top trim of the Soul EV and the mid-trim of the Niro EV are similarly priced which makes it slightly confusing for a whole lot of buyers. Price Comparison Soul EV Niro EV Base Trim £32,845 £37,295 Top Trim £39,045 £43,195 All prices are OTR in the UK You might also like: 5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars to Debut in 2023 – From New ID.3 to ID.7 Verdict If you prefer practicality, road presence and cabin space over features, then going for the mid-spec Niro EV makes the most sense as you get a bigger car with significantly more space and a similar powertrain as the top-spec Soul EV. However, if you like to be pampered by the luxury features and are on a strict budget, going for the Soul EV is not a bad option either, especially considering that the powertrains are similar.

Zeekr X Arriving in Europe Later This Year – Details

31 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Zeekr X and 001 are slated to be launched in the European markets this year and Sweden and the Netherlands will be the first countries to receive them in the Q4 of 2023. The Zeekr X and 001 are all set to arrive in Europe by the end of this year (2023). This information was announced by the Chinese auto giant at the recently concluded Shanghai Auto Show. Geely-owned electric carmaker mentioned about these models that its EVs will offer an “unrivalled balance of design, technology, driving dynamics, performance and safety, together with long range and fast charging.” Its European headquarters will be located in Amsterdam. You might also like: BYD Dolphin Affordable EV To Make UK Debut You might also like: Skoda Announces 6 New Electric Cars by 2026 Zeekr X – Specs Based on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform, the electric crossover SUV has a 66 kWh battery pack (silicon carbide) with NMC chemistry which has a single motor rear-wheel-drive version and 560 km (348 miles) range (CLTC) and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that generates 422 hp and 543 Nm of peak power and torque allowing a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.7 secs. The top speed is rated at 190 km/h (118 mph). Zeekr X Specs Battery 66 kWh Platform Geely’s SEA Drivetrain 2WD / AWD Range (CLTC) 560 km (348 mi) Power / Torque 422 hp / 543 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 3.7 secs Top Speed 190 km/h (118 mph) Specs You might also like: 5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars to Debut in 2023 – From New ID.3 to ID.7 Zeekr X – Dimensions Zeekr X is a crossover SUV that measures 4,450 mm (175 in.) in length, 1,836 mm (72 in.) in width, 1,572 mm (62 in.) in height and offers a handy wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.3 in.). The luggage compartment can hold upto 1,182 litres (with rear seats folded) and 362 litres (with rear seats up) of goods. Parameter Dimensions Length 4,450 mm (175 in.) Width 1,836 mm (72 in.) Height 1,572 mm (62 in.) Wheelbase 2,750 mm (108.3 in.) Boot Space 362 – 1,182 litres (12.8 – 41.7 cu ft) Dimensions You might also like: Lexus RZ Electric SUV Outdoor Concept Looks Adventurous Interior and Features Even though the EV will be priced competitively, it doesn’t compromise on the latest tech and convenience features. It has a ginormous 14.6-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment System (movable to and from passenger side), Wireless Charging, Ambient Lighting, Velvet-line Upholstery, Facial Recognition, Removable Mini Fridge, Power-Operated Door Opening, 13-Speaker Yamaha Sound System, Digital Instrument Cluster, 24.3-inch AR HUD (Head Up Display), moveable Central Armrest, USB-C Ports, Electrically Adjustable Front Seats with Thigh Support and Massage Function with Zero Gravity Mode, Rearward Foldable Retractable Rear Seats, Glass Roof, and much more. You might also like: MG Cyberster EV To Be The Most Powerful MG Yet Price Affordability, in addition to all the premium features, is the attractive aspect of the Zeekr X. In the Chinese market, the electric crossover retails for 189,800 Yuan (approx. $27,600). It would be interesting to see if Zeekr is able to replicate the price range of the X somewhat after the Europe launch.

LEC Team

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