Kia Niro EV - new owner in the U.S.

So, we canvassed the east coast electrified dealers that already had either PHEV or EV's and those that had a reasonable charging path back home. Emailing the dealers through their individual websites was pretty effective once we had spelled out EXACTLY what we were looking for, and what we were NOT interested in (i.e. PHEV, Gas, anything other than the Niro EV). Some dealers wrote/called back and indicated they weren't going to carry that model. Others indicated they were going to, but would put us on a list to contact us once they knew more about availability, numbers, and timelines.

We were ultimately able to provide the variety of dealers with the exact model specs we were looking for (and some things we would settle for -- like optional second/third choice colors) and the things we absolutely had to have (i.e. battery heater/winter package/heated everything for cold winters) based on the published US Features & Options that were announced in January. Once we were contacted by a dealer that had received stock and had confirmed our options choices, our sales rep texted pictures of what was going to be our car along with visible shots of the window sticker, and was great about answering questions via text messages and emails alike. Everyone was very courteous, friendly, helpful and no pressure, but basically asked us to confirm whether or not we wanted it. As it happened, it was exactly what we were looking for, given what was available on the US model options.

Pricing negotiation (even though we have Truecar and Costco Auto available, the Niro EV wasn't listed on any of their sites yet) didn't really happen and wasn't an option due to the tight window of opportunity and expected limited availability of these vehicles. It wasn't marked up like the west coast stories we had heard, so paying MSRP -- while not optimal or perhaps less than desirable -- all the same, it got us the car we wanted, and we knew it was ours.

Beyond making/confirming the vehicle selection, we were able to negotiate securing the vehicle via credit card deposit over the phone and we set up the pickup time. The dealer asked for scanned copies of our drivers licenses, and an insurance card (which I was able to get with the vehicle model and the VIN# the dealer provided) and we had to fill out their online credit application right on the dealer's web page. All in all, it was a pretty painless process -- and rather smooth. We didn't have a trade-in available, so it was a fairly straightforward transaction. We did have to go with the Kia financing option rather than bringing our own, but again -- we got the car we wanted. We can always refinance after 3 months with no early pre-payment fees. This may make some people cringe, however, in the end it is all up to you and how you feel about these things personally. For us, we were happy to be able to get exactly the car we wanted.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have more questions?

 

Did you register through the owners portal? Which app are you using for the UVO or have you gotten to that point yet?

 

We are member of Drive Electric Columbus (one of the parts of Drive Electric Ohio) and made the rounds this weekend for Drive Electric Earth Day EVents (Green: Bexley on Saturday with DEC and Oakwood on Sunday with DED). Glad we could give you a bit more details on our purchase.

It may have had more to do with timing since we were working with them prior to the first one arriving on their lot. We talked to Herson's too, they just didn't start receiving vehicles until after we had already picked ours up.

Not that I have heard of. It's listed as a limited release as of now but perhaps by next year the production numbers will be up and they will be releasing it more broadly.

 

A little follow up -- Just over 1750 miles in with our Niro EV and just over 2 weeks of ownership, still loving it.

Earlier this week, we made a 300ish mile round trip to our daughter's campus (one charging stop total) trip to help her pack her dorm room up for the year (she has a couple more days of exams but has her old car on campus and kept the bare minimum in her room which she will bring home with her). We were able to fit a mini fridge, 3 full under the bed totes, a full length mirror (with built in storage), a storage ottoman, TV (in the box), Keurig (in the box), 3 fully stuffed tote bags (the kind from IKEA), 1 filled duffle bag, an IKEA rolling cart (disassembled), several pieces of bedding (bed pillows, blankets, etc), and a few other little things. Of course, my husband and I both fit back in the front of the vehicle, LOL.

Even with it loaded and driving 70+mph on the highway for 90% of the drive we still got 4.1 mi/kWh average for the drive home (higher on the way there unloaded).

 

Yes, it was at an Electrify America (Mansfield, Ohio) and I have used the Cambridge, Ohio unit three times now (that one makes for an adventure as there is only one unit really accessible for the Niro and it has only worked once).