One in six Kia sales in January was a battery EV

Kia Motors had one of its best-ever January results thank to record sales and the popularity of its EVs.

Data shows that one in every six Kia vehicles sold was fully electric as the company sold 985 e-Niro models and 64 units of the Soul EV in the first month of the year, accounting in total for 16.7% of all its 6,271 sales in the UK last month.

Also, the e-Niro was the best-selling EV in the UK in January. In fact, the wider Niro family, which includes the e-Niro, Self-Charging Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, represented another bright spot for the brand with 1,741 total sales placing it in the top 10 best-sellers for the month.

This is not the first time that the e-Niro is at the top of the chart as we reported that it was the best-selling EV in the UK in October. It certainly does not come as a surprise as the EV is a great option for drivers.

It is available in the UK in three variants, ranging from the entry ‘2’ grade with the mid-range 39kWh battery and a 134 bhp motor offering 180 miles on a single charge, up to the 282-mile range topping ‘4+’ edition. The medium-size SUV has a price range from under £30,000 to a little over £36,000.

Earlier in January, Kia has also announced plans to launch seven new dedicated EVs between now and 2027, under the brand’s ‘Plan S’ mid- to long-term business strategy. The first of these EVs will be unveiled during Q1 2021 and will play an important role in Kia UK’s EV line up.

Overall, it has been a great 2020 for Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group as we reported that it sold over 300,000 electric cars worldwide. It corresponds to an incredible 28.6% increase from 238,155 units on a year-on-year basis.

It has been a fantastic start of the year for the company and Kia is quite happy that its EVs are helping to achieve this great result, according to Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Limited.

“Starting the year off in this position is positive for us, and it places us well in the market,” he said. “We’re realistic about the challenges we still face in the immediate future, but it’s equally encouraging to see how our electrified vehicle range is proving ever-more popular.”