Kia Electric Taxi Range: Big, Small And Very Frugal
Few manufacturers have run with the baton of zero emission electric motoring quite so fervently as Kia.
The Korean firm was an early adopter of the industry’s shift towards greener motoring with the launch of the acclaimed Kia Niro way back in 2016.
Initially offered as a petrol hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid and full EV version added to the range later, the Niro went head-to-head with the Toyota Prius – a perennial favourite among taxi drivers – and proceeded to win many over its arch-rival on the strength of its spacious interior and lofty driving position.
The Niro would go on to set the foundation for the expansive range of electric Kia vehicles available right now, a line-up that will soon include its biggest offering yet, the Kia PV5.
Developed around a principal that assures impressive range, penny-pinching running costs and practical comfort, there is an ideal taxi companion available at The Taxi Centre among Kia’s electric range.
Kia EV3 Taxi
Battery: 81.4kWh
Max Power: 228bhp
Range [Combined]: 375 miles
Charge Time:
DC 350kW 10-80% - 31mins
DC 50kW 10-80% - 79mins
AC 230V 16A 10-100% - 7h 15m
Seats: 5
Boot Space: 460 litres
Front Luggage Space: 25 litres
The latest addition to the Kia EV range may be the smallest in size but boasts figures worth making a big noise about.
Peel back that blocky, utilitarian-inspired exterior and the EV3 features a clean, minimalist and high-quality fascia from behind the wheel, while the exaggerated dimensions mean passengers will appreciate the subsequent generous headroom and legroom it generates.
On the road, the EV3 sets a fresh standard in the C-segment category in terms of economy with Kia claiming a combined range of 375 miles on flagship 81.kW models. Those more likely to consign themselves to urban commuting, however, could cover upwards of 479 miles before seeking out a charger.
It’s quick too, the battery generating a maximum power output of 228bhp for a 0-62mph sprint in just 7.5secs.
Kia EV6 Taxi
Battery: 84kWh
Max Power:
RWD: 227bhp
AWD: 320bhp
Range [Combined]: 361 miles
Charge Time:
DC 350kW 10-80% - 18mins
DC 50kW 10-80% - 76mins
AC 230V 16A 10-100% - 7h 35m
Seats: 5
Boot Space: 490 litres
Front Luggage Space: 52 litres
Kia’s version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 cuts a more rakish dash than its sibling but don’t let the coupe-like silhouette fool you, it disguises a very spacious interior.
At 4,680mm in length, the Kia EV6 is comfortably larger than the similarly positioned Skoda Enyaq, while the 2,900mm wheelbase is longer than that of an Audi A8.
Such dimensions allow for generous legroom for all three rear passengers on a flat floor without sacrificing boot space, which is 490 litres with the seats up, while rear-drive models also benefit from a useful 52 litres up front (‘frunk’).
Range from the 84kWh battery varies depending on which version you choose but the rear-wheel drive EV6 achieves a combined 361 miles, while the four-wheel drive GT-Line averages 324 miles. A 10%-80% recharge can take just 18mins using a fast-charger or 7h 35mins using a standard AC charge.
Kia EV9 Taxi
Battery: 99.8kWh
Max Power:
RWD: 200bhp
AWD: 378bhp
Range [Combined]:
19” Wheel Air: 349 miles
20” Wheel GT-Line: 316 miles
21” Wheel GT-Line S: 313 miles
Charge Time:
DC 350kW 10-80% - 24mins
DC 50kW 10-80% - 83mins
AC 230V 16A 10-100% - 9h 05m
Seats: 7
Boot Space:
With 7 Seats: 333 litres
With 5 Seats: 828 litres
Front Luggage Space: 90 litres
The flagship in Kia’s electric range, the EV9 is a vast electric SUV designed to swallow seven passengers and their luggage with ease, making it the ideal airport taxi tool.
Even with all seven seats in place, the EV9 still offers 333 litres of boot space, which should be enough for multiple bags and accessories. However, if it is still a tight squeeze, the Kia EV9 also offers a generous 90 litres of additional space up at the front. Electronically fold down the two rearmost seats and boot space opens to an enormous 828 litres.
Even with a full complement of passengers, the EV9 enjoys plenty of leg and headroom, while the flat floor ensures class-leading kneeroom too.
The EV9 also benefits from myriad storage cubbies and stow-away areas, while the 12 cup holders and a wireless smartphone charge pad are also a boon for taxi customers.
Despite its size, the EV9 in top-spec AWD trim can generate 378bhp but opt for the entry Air trim with 19” wheels and you can achieve 349 miles of range on a combined cycle.
Kia PV5 Taxi
The fourth member of Kia’s EV family, the brand-new all-electric PV5 is also its biggest.
Developed on an adapted version of Kia’s E-GMP.S platform, the Kia PV5 is a CDV (Car Derived Van) offering seven seats and multiple formats aimed at providing flexible versatility with minimal running costs.
Significantly, Kia says it has ‘developed the PV5 with ride-hailing cases in mind’, even going as far as to include companies like Uber in the design process. With myriad seating configurations, a completely flat floor and a feature that allows wheelchair access from the side-door rather than the rear, the Kia PV5 majors in practicality and convenience.
The PV5 Passenger boasts a competitive range of 400km (249 miles) from the largest 71kWh version of its two battery size options. A 51.5kWh version will also be available when the Kia PV5 goes on sale later this year.
Why Buy An Electric Taxi from The Taxi Centre?
Electric vehicles benefit from various grants and incentives ideal for taxi drivers. In addition to lower running costs, electric vehicles are exempt from congestion charges in Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) across the country.