Kia is increasing availability of its MY20 e-Niro, supporting “intense demand” for the crossover EV.

Kia says e-Niro customer lead times in the UK are now the shortest since its launch in 2019

Since its launch in 2019, the 282-mile range e-Niro has seen significantly higher demand than stock; the carmaker reported a year ago that its 900-strong annual allocation had sold out in less than a month.

Its work with Kia Motors Corporation in Korea to increase the UK supply will help with the growing list of back orders and cut lead times to their shortest-ever level; particularly benefiting fleets and enabling both drivers and fleets to benefit from the 0% Benefit-in-Kind rate for zero-emission vehicles this tax year.

Customers who order a MY20 e-Niro – which offers additional battery and trim variants – can now can expect to receive their car in September, in time for the new ‘70’ registration plate change or during Q4.

The increased UK supply will also enable dealers to provide more vehicles on demo, providing businesses with an opportunity to see how the vehicle could fit in with fleet daily life.

Kia has also sourced additional supply of its Soul EVs for the UK. Launched in July, the new Soul EV (see road test here).

Paul Philpott, president and CEO, Kia Motors (UK), commented: “With the additional e-Niro availability coming to our shores it places our dealer partners in a better position to satisfy the huge demand we have received for the vehicle. What’s more, the recently launched Soul EV adds to this ability to give our customers what they want, when they want it.”

Earlier this year, Kia revealed its accelerated plans for electrified vehicles. The new strategy – dubbed ‘Plan S’ to mark the brand’s shift away from focusing on internal combustion engine vehicles – will see Kia offer a line-up of 11 fully electric vehicles by 2025.

Since then, it’s outlined how sales in Europe are central to this; every new Kia model launched in Europe will offer an electrified powertrain and is aiming for more than 20% of its European sales to be fully electric by this time by 2026.