Kia News: Kia Niro EV Revealed in South Korea

[William Maley]

Back at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Kia rolled out the Niro EV concept. Aside from the wild design cues, the Niro EV concept featured a 150 kW (201 horsepower) electric motor and 64 kWh battery pack. Range was estimated at 231 miles. 

Just a couple of days ago, Kia revealed the production version of the Niro EV. Unsurprisingly, the electric version doesn't look significantly different from the hybrid/plug-in hybrid Niros. The only changes are a closed-off, body-colored grille with a door for charging port; faux grilles on the front and rear bumpers, and LED foglights.

The Niro EV features Kia's new electric powertrain that includes an electric motor with a 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Overall range is estimated at 450 kilometers (about 280 miles) on the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Expect the EPA estimate to be slightly lower. There will also be 39.2 kWh battery available that is said to offer a range of more than 300 kilometers.

We expect to have more details on the Niro EV such as power ratings and a release timeframe when the Niro EV debuts at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Source: Kia

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KIA REVEALS FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-ELECTRIC NIRO

• First images of Niro electric crossover display sporty and versatile design
• European debut at Paris Motor Show in October 2018
• Stylish and modern exterior inspired by design concept seen at CES 2018
• New Kia Niro EV to deliver more than 450 km range*

Frankfurt, 2 May 2018 –  Kia has today unveiled a new all-electric version of Niro at the 5th International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju, Korea. Due to receive its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018, the sporty and versatile Niro EV combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design and functional utility.
 
Designed at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV incorporates the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV, in a sleek, aerodynamic body with subtly sculptured surfaces.
 
Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Niro EV features an exclusive radiator grille, futuristic air intake and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights. With a ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasize the car’s sleek profile, while allowing 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 will be able to drive over 450 km* on a single charge with zero emissions, or more than 300 km* on an optional 39.2 kWh battery system.
 
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 and introduced to other markets in due course.

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[G. David Felt]

I get that they are offering a cheaper version to bring in the value customer, but reality is that the 64 kWh batter at over 450 Kilometers is what the average customer is going to want and expect. I can only imagine a few of the smaller battery being sold to inner city living folks that would never want to go to the suburbs or on longer road trips and if they do, probably will rent an auto then.