Safety ratings (from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency)
Economy
Electrical energy consumed from the battery over a given distance.
Economy
{model}
{wh}
kWh/100 km
Economy
{model}
{km}
km/kWh
Energy consumption is displayed on the dashboard and is re-calculated as you drive. It is different to the WLTP-rated consumption (which measures power from the mains).
This number is estimated by comparing the usable battery capacity against the WLTP range.
How far the vehicle will travel on a single charge, accounting for local driving conditions.
Adjust for the portion of urban/city driving vs highway (100 km/h) that you typically do.
Consumption ⚡️
How much electrical energy does the vehicle use while driving?
Higher speeds increase energy consumption (due to aerodynamic drag and reduced opportunity for electricity regeneration). Cold temperatures also increase consumption.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ⚡️
V2L allows electricity to flow from the battery to power appliances.
Some vehicles have interior NZ sockets, while others require an adapter be plugged into the Type 2 exterior charging socket.
Tow Capacity
Unbraked (kg) / Braked (kg)
Most EVs can have towbars fitted for carrying bikes (but not for towing loads).
Towing a load will significantly decrease range (typically by 50%).
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at home or public AC charging.
An EV has a built-in charger that converts household AC electricity into DC current that goes into the battery.
This limits the maximum speed you can charge at home - no matter what extra equipment you install. Single-phase power supports up to 7.4 kW - if the EV can take more than this, three-phase power must be available at the property.
Fast Charge ⚡
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at a DC fast charger.
Charging power also is limited by the capacity of the charging station.
In NZ, fast chargers are typically 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 175 kW, and 300 kW.
Cold temperatures and the vehicle's charging curve also dictate peak speed (i.e. a warm battery at a lower state-of-charge will charge quicker).
The full-electric Niro was available in NZ from 2019 and received a major update in late 2022. It was no longer available from Kia in 2025 (replaced by the Kia EV3).
Previous models
Only available secondhand
Kia Niro
2022-2024
The second-generation Niro has a slightly increased range but significant interior and exterior design upgrades. It has a small front trunk and can tow up to a 750 kg braked or a 300 kg unbraked trailer.
Two trims are available: Light and Water. Water offers V2L ability, fog lamps, composite leather interior, heated front seats, a larger 10.25″ screen, Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system, and a wireless phone charger.
Note that only the top trim, “Water”, offers the V2L capability.
The first generation of Kia Niro EV was available from 2019-2022. It offered three trim levels: the basic EX, a mid-level SX (larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, sat nav, and JBL audio).
The top-end Premium variant adds heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.
