Car & Driver’s inaugural EV 1000 race saw Teslas sweep the top three positions, but where did the Kia Niro EV land in this real-world electric vehicle challenge? While Elon Musk’s company dominated the podium, the Kia Niro EV secured a respectable sixth place, proving its mettle in a demanding long-distance test. This event, far from a typical racetrack scenario, was designed to benchmark the current state of EV technology and the nation’s charging infrastructure.
The Car & Driver EV 1000 wasn’t about speed; it was about efficiency and practicality on an extended journey. The route stretched across four states, beginning in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and winding through Cincinnati, Athens, Ohio, Morgantown, West Virginia, and Erie, Pennsylvania, before looping back to Ann Arbor. This real-world road trip aimed to push electric vehicles beyond their single-charge ranges, forcing participants to rely on public charging networks.
The final leaderboard showcased the strengths and weaknesses of various EVs in this endurance test:
- Tesla Model S Long Range Plus
- Tesla Model Y Performance
- Tesla Model 3 Performance
- Ford Mustang Mach-E 4X
- Porsche Taycan 4S PBP
- Kia Niro EV
- Audi e-tron
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Polestar 2
- Nissan Leaf Plus
The race highlighted crucial factors for EV road trips: charging infrastructure availability and reliability, vehicle range, and charging speed. Success wasn’t solely about having the longest range; strategic planning, efficient driving, and even a bit of luck in finding available and functional chargers played significant roles. Manufacturers with established charging networks, like Tesla with its Supercharger network, naturally held an advantage.
For vehicles like the Kia Niro EV, which rely on public charging infrastructure, the EV 1000 presented a different set of challenges. While the Niro EV achieved a solid mid-pack finish, the race underscored the variability in the public charging experience. Factors such as charger availability, charging speeds, and even the weather could impact the overall journey time and efficiency.
Car & Driver’s assessment following the EV 1000 was clear: the charging infrastructure in the United States still has room for improvement, particularly for EV brands outside of Tesla’s ecosystem. The experience led some drivers, even those in Teslas, to admit they might prefer a gas car for such a long trip, highlighting the current realities of EV road tripping.
However, it’s important to consider the context of a race versus typical road-trip driving. As the original article points out, most road trips involve stops for meals, sightseeing, and relaxation, which can naturally incorporate charging times. Moreover, the EV charging landscape is constantly evolving and improving. With ongoing investments in charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology, long-distance EV travel is becoming increasingly convenient.
The Kia Niro EV’s performance in the Car & Driver EV 1000 provides valuable real-world data for consumers considering electric vehicles. It demonstrates that while Teslas currently lead in long-distance EV capabilities, other EVs like the Niro EV are capable contenders, especially as charging infrastructure continues to expand and improve. The EV 1000 serves as a crucial benchmark, highlighting both the progress and the remaining hurdles in the journey towards widespread EV adoption for all types of driving, including those long road trips.
