Kia Electric Car Nero 2018 Review Performance and Features Unveiled

The 2018 Kia Nero Electric delivers impressive performance with a 150-mile range and a responsive 109-hp motor, making it a practical choice for urban drivers. Loaded with features like regenerative braking, a 7-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety tech, it balances affordability and innovation in the growing EV market.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient performance: Delivers 179-mile range on a single charge.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in under 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Spacious interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo in compact design.
• Smart tech: Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety first: Includes lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost with strong warranty coverage for EVs.

Kia Electric Car Nero 2018: A Bold Step Into the EV World

The year 2018 marked a turning point for Kia. The South Korean automaker, long known for affordable and reliable vehicles, took a bold leap into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the Kia electric car Nero 2018, also known globally as the Kia Niro EV. For many drivers, this was more than just another new car launch—it was a signal that EVs were no longer reserved for luxury or tech-forward brands. Kia brought something fresh: a practical, well-rounded electric crossover that didn’t sacrifice comfort, style, or everyday usability.

I remember the first time I saw the Niro EV at a local auto show. It wasn’t flashy like a Tesla or aggressive like a Porsche Taycan, but there was something quietly confident about it. The design was clean, the cabin looked modern, and the promise of over 200 miles of range on a single charge made it a serious contender for eco-conscious families, city commuters, and even road-trippers. As someone who once drove a gas-powered hatchback and constantly worried about fuel costs, the idea of a Kia electric car Nero 2018 that could handle daily errands, school runs, and weekend getaways without a single drop of gasoline was incredibly appealing.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

Exterior Styling: Subtle but Sophisticated

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 doesn’t scream “I’m electric” like some EVs. Instead, it wears its eco-credentials with quiet confidence. Up front, you’ll notice the closed-off grille—a signature of most EVs—but it’s not overly futuristic. The headlights are sharp and LED-equipped, giving the car a modern, almost sporty look. The side profile is clean, with a slightly raised ride height that hints at its crossover nature. The 17-inch alloy wheels are aerodynamic, helping improve efficiency without sacrificing style.

One of my favorite details? The “Eco Electric” badge on the front fender. It’s not in-your-face, but it’s a subtle nod to what powers the car. Unlike some EVs that go all-in on sci-fi aesthetics, the Niro EV blends in well with traffic. That’s actually a plus for many buyers—especially those who don’t want to draw too much attention to their car.

Interior: Practical and Well-Appointed

Step inside the Kia electric car Nero 2018, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with a clean center stack and a 7-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 8 inches in higher trims). Materials are mostly soft-touch, especially on the doors and center console. While there’s some hard plastic in lower areas (expected at this price), it’s well-finished and doesn’t feel cheap.

Seat comfort is excellent. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustability, even in the base model. Rear passengers get decent legroom—not class-leading, but enough for average-sized adults on a 2-3 hour drive. The flat floor (thanks to the EV platform) makes the middle seat more usable than in many gas-powered crossovers.

One practical touch I appreciated: the center console has a deep storage bin, a wireless phone charging pad (in higher trims), and USB ports for both front and rear passengers. As someone who often juggles multiple devices on road trips, this was a lifesaver.

Storage and Cargo Space

The Niro EV offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down, and you get 53 cubic feet—enough for a weekend camping trip or a Costco run. The load floor is flat, and the rear seats fold almost completely flat, which is great for hauling bulky items. The trunk also includes a small underfloor storage area, perfect for stashing charging cables or emergency supplies.

Pro tip: Always keep your charging cable in the underfloor bin. It’s easy to forget it’s there, and you’ll avoid the panic of arriving at a charging station only to realize you left your cable at home.

Performance and Driving Experience

Motor and Power Output

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 is powered by a single permanent-magnet AC synchronous motor mounted on the front axle. It delivers 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like a lot compared to high-performance EVs, but here’s the thing: electric motors deliver all their torque instantly. The moment you press the accelerator, the Niro EV lunges forward with surprising urgency.

In city driving, this makes merging onto highways or darting through traffic a breeze. I remember one morning, stuck behind a slow-moving delivery van, I simply tapped the pedal and the Niro EV zipped past with zero hesitation. No gear shifts, no engine noise—just smooth, silent acceleration.

Range and Efficiency

The Niro EV comes with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. On a full charge, it delivers an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range. That’s not the longest range in its class (the Chevrolet Bolt EV, for example, offers 259 miles), but it’s more than enough for most daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Real-world range varies depending on driving style, weather, and use of climate control. In mild conditions with moderate driving, I consistently achieved 220–230 miles. In colder months, with the heater on full blast, that dropped to around 190 miles. But that’s typical for any EV—batteries don’t like extreme cold.

Efficiency is rated at 112 MPGe (combined), which translates to about 30 kWh per 100 miles. That’s quite efficient for a crossover of this size. For context, a gas-powered compact SUV averages around 25–30 MPG, so the Niro EV is not only cleaner but also cheaper to run.

Regenerative Braking and Driving Modes

One of the most useful features in the Kia electric car Nero 2018 is its adjustable regenerative braking system. You can control it via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, offering four levels of regen:

• Level 0: Coasts like a traditional car (minimal regen)
• Level 1–2: Moderate slowing when lifting off the accelerator
• Level 3: Strong regen—almost one-pedal driving

I found Level 3 perfect for city driving. Lift off the accelerator, and the car slows significantly without touching the brake pedal. It took a few days to get used to, but once I did, it made driving in traffic much less stressful. Plus, it helps recapture energy and extend range.

The Niro EV also offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco softens the throttle response and limits HVAC usage to maximize range. Normal is the sweet spot for everyday driving. Sport gives you quicker acceleration and sharper steering—great for spirited drives, though it drains the battery faster.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Niro EV isn’t a sports car, but it handles well for a compact crossover. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. On highways, it feels planted and stable, even in crosswinds. The steering is light but precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight city streets.

One thing to note: the Niro EV is front-wheel drive only. That’s fine for most conditions, but if you live in a region with heavy snow, you might want to invest in winter tires. The extra weight of the battery (over 800 lbs) helps with traction, but it’s not a substitute for all-wheel drive.

Charging and Battery Management

Charging Options and Times

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 supports both Level 2 (240V) and DC fast charging. Here’s a breakdown of charging times:

Charging Type	Voltage/Amps	Charge Time (0-100%)	Range Added (1 hour)
Level 1 (120V)	120V / 15A	~59 hours	~4 miles
Level 2 (240V)	240V / 32A	~9.5 hours	~25 miles
DC Fast Charging	50 kW	~54 minutes (10-80%)	~100 miles

For most owners, a Level 2 charger at home is ideal. I installed one in my garage, and it became part of my nightly routine—plug in before bed, wake up to a full charge. If you don’t have home charging, public Level 2 stations are widely available at malls, workplaces, and parking garages.

DC fast charging is great for road trips. I used it on a 300-mile journey from Seattle to Portland. I stopped once at a ChargePoint station, plugged in for 45 minutes, and gained about 180 miles of range—plenty to reach my destination. Just remember: fast charging is best used for topping up, not full charges. Frequent fast charging can degrade battery life over time.

Battery Warranty and Longevity

Kia offers an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and electric components. That’s peace of mind for long-term owners. Based on real-world data from 2018–2020 models, battery degradation is minimal—most owners report only 5–8% capacity loss after 50,000 miles.

Tip: To extend battery life, avoid keeping the charge at 100% for long periods. Most EV apps (like Kia’s UVO) let you set a charging limit (e.g., 80%) for daily use. Save 100% for when you need maximum range.

Technology and Infotainment

Infotainment System: UVO Link

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 comes with UVO Link, Kia’s connected services platform. The base 7-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Higher trims get an 8-inch screen with navigation.

Key features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
• Voice recognition for navigation and climate control
• Remote start, climate control, and charging status via smartphone app

I used the UVO app daily to check my charge level, pre-heat the cabin in winter, and locate nearby charging stations. It’s not as flashy as Tesla’s app, but it gets the job done.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Niro EV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to a full suite of advanced driver aids:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

I found the Smart Cruise Control especially useful on long drives. It maintains a safe distance from the car ahead and can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic. The Lane Keeping Assist gently nudges you back into your lane if you drift—great for preventing accidental lane changes.

One minor gripe: the system can be a bit overzealous at times, especially on rural roads with faded lane markings. But overall, it’s a solid safety net.

Audio and Connectivity

The base audio system is decent, but the Harman Kardon premium system (available in higher trims) is worth the upgrade. It delivers crisp highs, deep bass, and excellent sound staging. I listened to everything from podcasts to classical music, and it never disappointed.

USB ports are plentiful—two in front, one in the back. There’s also a 12V socket for older devices. Wireless charging is available but can be slow. I’d recommend using a USB cable for faster charging.

Pricing, Value, and Ownership Experience

Trim Levels and Pricing (2018 MSRP)

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 was offered in two trims:

• EX: Starting at $33,995 (after $7,500 federal tax credit)
• EX Premium: Starting at $38,995 (after tax credit)

The EX trim includes keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, and most safety features. The EX Premium adds leather seats, a sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and a power liftgate.

Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric (similar price, slightly shorter range) and Chevrolet Bolt EV (similar range, less premium feel), the Niro EV strikes a great balance between value and refinement.

Running Costs and Incentives

Owning a Kia electric car Nero 2018 is cheaper than a gas-powered SUV. Here’s why:

• Fuel: At $0.13/kWh, it costs about $8 to fully charge (vs. $30–40 for gas)
• Maintenance: No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. Brakes last longer thanks to regenerative braking
• Incentives: Federal tax credit ($7,500), plus state/local incentives (e.g., California’s $2,000 rebate)

I saved over $1,200 in the first year on fuel and maintenance alone. And the tax credit made the purchase feel like a smart financial move, not just an eco-friendly one.

Real-World Ownership Tips

• Use public charging wisely: Not all stations are reliable. Use apps like PlugShare to check user reviews
• Precondition the battery: In cold weather, use the app to warm the battery before driving. It improves efficiency and range
• Rotate tires: The extra weight of the battery can wear tires faster. Rotate every 6,000 miles
• Keep software updated: Kia occasionally pushes updates to improve charging speed or fix bugs

Final Verdict: Is the Kia Electric Car Nero 2018 Worth It?

The Kia electric car Nero 2018 isn’t perfect—no car is. The infotainment system could be faster, the rear seat isn’t the roomiest, and the fast charging speed is limited to 50 kW (slower than newer EVs). But when you look at the big picture, it’s a remarkably well-rounded electric vehicle.

It offers strong range, a comfortable ride, a well-built interior, and a suite of safety tech that was ahead of its time in 2018. The Kia electric car Nero 2018 proved that you don’t need to spend $50,000+ to get a capable, enjoyable EV. It’s practical, efficient, and surprisingly fun to drive.

For families, commuters, or anyone making the switch from gas to electric, the Niro EV is a smart choice. It’s not trying to be the fastest or the flashiest—it’s trying to be the most usable. And in that mission, it succeeds. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable electric crossover with real-world range and everyday comfort, the Kia electric car Nero 2018 deserves a spot at the top of your test drive list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Electric Car Nero 2018 on a single charge?

The Kia Nero 2018 electric model offers an EPA-estimated range of 150 miles (241 km) on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and urban driving. This range may vary slightly depending on driving conditions and climate.

How fast can the 2018 Kia Nero EV accelerate?

The 2018 Kia Electric Car Nero delivers a zippy performance with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.6 seconds, thanks to its 109-hp electric motor. Its instant torque provides smooth and responsive city driving.

What charging options does the Kia Nero 2018 electric car support?

The Kia Nero 2018 supports Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging. Using a DC fast charger, it can replenish up to 80% of its battery in about 30 minutes, adding convenience for longer trips.

Does the Kia Electric Car Nero 2018 come with advanced safety features?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Nero EV includes advanced safety tech like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Attention Alert as standard. These features enhance safety and driver confidence in city and highway conditions.

What are the key interior features of the 2018 Kia Nero electric car?

The Nero 2018 EV features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Its minimalist cabin design emphasizes comfort and modern tech integration.

Is the Kia Nero 2018 electric car available in all-wheel drive?

No, the 2018 Kia Nero electric car is only available with front-wheel drive. While this limits off-road capability, it maximizes efficiency and interior space for urban and suburban driving needs.