Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia announced revised range estimates for their Kona and Niro electric crossovers on Tuesday, reflecting a decrease from earlier figures.
The companies noted that they discovered issues related to the testing methods used by independent firms tasked with calculating the models’ estimated ranges based on the current WLTP standards. Hyundai and Kia claim that the tests relied too heavily on urban scenarios, where electric vehicles typically perform better, leading to inaccurately inflated range estimates.
As a result, Hyundai has adjusted the WLTP range estimate for its Kona EV to 180 miles using the 39.2-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and 279 miles with the 64-kWh option. Meanwhile, Kia has lowered the range estimate for the 64-kWh battery Niro EV from 301 miles to 283 miles.
The WLTP testing method is a contemporary standard that replaces the older NEDC testing, which often provided more optimistic estimates for range and efficiency. In contrast, the United States utilizes EPA testing standards, which tend to be even more conservative regarding estimated EV ranges, likely due to a greater amount of American driving taking place on highways, where electric vehicles consume more energy than in urban environments.
Hyundai lists an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles for the Kona EV, while Kia announced at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show that its Niro EV would be available in the U.S. in 2019, with an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles. This ranking is reversed compared to the WLTP estimates, with the Niro appearing superior to the Kona. This discrepancy might stem from slightly different step-down transmission ratios and the expected driving conditions in regions applying each testing method.
Kia employs an 8.206:1 step-down ratio in the Niro, while a Hyundai representative confirmed to The Drive that its vehicle uses a longer 7.981:1 ratio. Consequently, the Niro is likely to excel in urban driving but may perform less effectively on highways, whereas Hyundai’s longer gearing may result in better highway efficiency.
Another vehicle that might be impacted by these updated estimates is the Kia Soul EV, which shares drivetrain components with the Niro. Previously, we highlighted the Soul EV as one of the most significant vehicles of 2019. However, the inverse ranking of range estimates between the Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona according to EPA standards suggests that the compact Soul EV may not be quite the standout we anticipated. Nevertheless, it is still expected to impress when it becomes available for testing.
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