Kia has earned multiple accolades in the 2024 EcoCar Electrified Top 50 awards, organized by Diesel&EcoCar magazine. The Kia Niro family and the EV9 garnered high praise from judges, securing Kia’s reputation as a leading brand in the electric vehicle market.
Kia’s Award-Winning Lineup
- Kia Niro:
- EcoCar Best Hybrid Medium SUV
- EcoCar Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV
- Kia EV9:
- EcoCar Best Electric Seven-Seat SUV
In addition to the Niro and EV9’s success, the Kia Sportage and EV6 also featured prominently in the EcoCar Top 50. The EV9 ranked 22nd, EV6 secured 13th place, Sportage landed at 10th, and the Niro family achieved an impressive third place overall.
The judges honored Kia with the title of ‘EcoCar Most Influential Electric Car Maker 2024,’ recognizing the brand’s extensive range of electric vehicles that cater to a broad customer base.
Industry Praise
Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel&EcoCar magazine, highlighted Kia’s diverse electric vehicle lineup: “While other car makers may offer a larger number of different electric vehicles, Kia can lay claim to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles across a wide variety of different market segments. Employing high-capacity electric motors, efficient electric motors, and well-proven, reliable software systems, the Soul, Niro, EV3, EV6, and EV9 all offer something different to each other. And while many car manufacturers have focused on the high end of the market, Kia has offered a compelling range of affordable and attainable electric vehicles, and that’s just one of the reasons why we have voted them the most influential EV car maker of the year 2024.”
Niro’s Continued Success
The Kia Niro has a storied history of success in the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 awards. Last year, it won an unprecedented four categories, including ‘Electrified Car of the Year 2023.’ This year, the Niro was awarded ‘EcoCar Best Hybrid Medium SUV’ and ‘EcoCar Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV.’ Offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants, the Niro provides customers with maximum choice and flexibility.
Robertson commented on the Niro’s achievements: “Last year’s winner still makes the podium, partly thanks to its triple-threat offering – you can get the Niro as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric car, just pick the propulsion that best suits your lifestyle and budget. It’s a great car in all three guises, with the PHEV serving up a 40-mile range before the dignified petrol engine chimes in, while the EV can cover 285 miles and gets from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. We love its modern interior, with twin 10.25-inch screens, and long list of standard kit, even on the entry level versions. The winning package is underpinned by a roomy cabin and capacious boot and that brilliant seven-year warranty package.”
EV9’s Remarkable Debut
Kia’s latest addition to its award-winning lineup, the EV9, has made a significant impact. This six- or seven-seater SUV offers an impressive real-world range and spacious interior, thanks to its intelligent design and packaging. The EV9 was named ‘EcoCar Best Electric Seven-Seat SUV’ for 2024.
Robertson praised the EV9: “The idea of a Kia family SUV costing more than £65k might have been far-fetched even a few years ago, but the EV9 is a wholly convincing flagship pure electric model for the brand. With contemporary looks that put many of the traditional players firmly in the shade, it’s a fully electric six- or seven-seat SUV with few direct rivals. A 100kWh battery pack gives a range of up to 349 miles and 800-volt charging means a 10 to 80% top-up can take an impressive 24 minutes. The entry-level Air trim may only get 201bhp, but it’s huge on personality, while dual-motor versions boast 378bhp. Watch out for the upcoming new GT that’s set to get tongues wagging.”
