New Kia Niro EV unveiled

Electric crossover’s production version showcased at International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea; available in two battery capacities.

Published On May 07, 2018 11:00:00 AM

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Korean carmaker Kia has revealed the electric version of the Niro crossover in its production form at the International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea. A concept version of the compact crossover was unveiled at the CES technology show in Las Vegas in January.

The Niro EV will be available with a range of 380km from a 64kWh battery, along with one with a 241km range. While Kia did not give the capacity of the smaller battery, Woong Chul Yang, the firm’s vice-chairman of research and development, told our sister publication, Autocar UK, at CES that the smaller version would be a 32kWh unit.

The car is likely to draw on EV technology from within the Hyundai Motor Group and will feature the same powertrain as sister firm Hyundai’s Ioniq EV.

Design-wise the Niro EV is similar to the standard version, aside from the distinctive filled-in ‘parametric’ grille, which resembles the ‘interactive display panel’ of the concept version shown at CES.

Kia says it received 5,000 orders for the Niro EV in Korea, where it will be go on sale later this year alongside the existing hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid versions. The Niro EV is part of Kia’s ACE (Autonomous, Connected and Eco/Electric) strategy, with a plan to offer 16 electrified vehicles by 2025.

For the Indian market, Kia is expected to launch five models in the country within 18 months of the launch of its first car, the production-spec SP Concept SUV. The brand has also begun construction of its facility in Andhra Pradesh.

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