It’s never been a secret that the Kia Niro would be offered as a full battery electric to tag along with its Hybrid-electric and Plug-in Hybrid variants. What has been a secret up until now however, is what they would look like as well as when we’d be able to see them on the road.
Kia has today unveiled its new all-electric version of the Niro at ‘The 5th International Electric Vehicle Expo’ in Jeju, Korea. The sporty and versatile Niro EV combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design and functionality, and is set to add a new dimension to the eco-friendly compact SUV market.
A collaborative effort between Kia’s design centers in California and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact SUV with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces.
Photo: Kia Canada
Photo: Kia Canada
Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the car features an exclusive radiator grille, futuristic air intake and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inspired by Kia’s ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasize the car’s sleek profile and allow greater room for the Niro EV’s muscular wheel arches.
The Niro EV is powered by Kia’s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies developed specifically for Kia EVs. Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV is targeting a zero-emission range of over 380 km on a single charge, or up to 240 km when paired with the 39.2 kWh battery system.
SEE ALSO: KIA NIRO HYBRID VIDEO REVIEW
The Niro EV demonstrates the considerable steps Kia has made over recent years to deliver comfortable, fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero emissions motoring.
The Niro EV will go on sale in Korea during the second half of 2018 with more information on other market availability to come.
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