KATHMANDU: Kia Corporation has officially discontinued the electric version of its eco-crossover, the Kia Niro EV, confirming that the updated Kia Niro will now be sold exclusively as a hybrid as the automaker shifts towards dedicated electric vehicle platforms, according to The Korean Herald.
The announcement came alongside the unveiling of a mildly refreshed Niro in South Korea, with orders set to begin this week.
The update arrives four years after the launch of the second-generation model in 2022 and focuses on improved convenience, safety and digital connectivity while prioritizing hybrid efficiency.
First introduced in 2016 as Kia’s flagship eco-friendly crossover, the Niro has recorded more than 1.2 million cumulative sales worldwide. Industry analysts view the discontinuation of the EV variant as part of Kia’s broader strategy to move away from multi-powertrain models in favor of purpose-built EVs.
In Nepal, Kia vehicles are distributed by Continental Trading Enterprises. Although the Kia Soul EV was introduced in 2019, the Niro EV never received a full-scale local launch.
A previous report by MeroAuto also highlighted concerns over EV after-sales service readiness in the market.
