Published

Kia Niro Hybrid Makes 76-mpg Record Run Across the U.S.

Kia Motors Corp.'s Niro hybrid-electric crossover vehicle has set a Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption (76.6 mpg) in a hybrid car driving across the U.S.
#hybrid

Share

Kia Motors Corp.'s Niro hybrid-electric crossover vehicle has set a Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption (76.6 mpg) in a hybrid car driving across the U.S.

The Niro EX travelled 3,715 milesfrom Los Angeles to New Yorkon just over four tanks of gasoline (48.5 gallons). The 76.6-mpg average during the trip is significantly higher than the car's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated highway rating of 49 mpgthe top-of-the-line Niro FE has an EPA rating of 50 mpg (52 mpg highway/49 mpg city.)

The Niro teams a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor to generate a combined 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Output of the vehicle's 240-volt, 1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be converted to 12 volts, eliminating the need for a separate 12-volt battery.

Kia says no modifications were made to the vehicle for the record-setting run. The car was driven by hypermilers Wayne Gerdes and Robert Winger. The pair previously averaged 64.6 mpg in a Kia Optima Hybrid driving through America's contiguous 48 states.

Kia will launch the Niro early next year in the U.S. The vehicle already is available in Korea and other international markets.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Aluminum Sheet for EV Battery Enclosure

    As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) is about to increase almost exponentially, aluminum supplier Novelis is preparing to provide customers with protective solutions

  • GAC, CATL Partner on Two Battery Ventures

    Two new battery ventures are being formed in China by domestic carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Ltd. and battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd.

  • On Military Trucks, Euro Car Sales, Mazda Drops and More

    Did you know Mack is making military dump trucks from commercial vehicles or that Ford tied with Daimler in Euro vehicle sales or the Mazda6 is soon to be a thing of the past or Alexa can be more readily integrated or about Honda’s new EV strategy? All that and more are found here.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions