Kia has unveiled an electric Niro SUV which it promises will have a range of 238 miles upon its 2019 arrival.
Currently just a concept, the car showcases the South Korean manufacturer’s new electric vehicle technology and spearheads a charge by the brand to bring a whole range of electrified cars to the road.
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Kia said it will offer 16 electrified vehicles – including hybrids, EV and fuel cell EVs – by 2025. An executive also confirmed that the refreshed Sportage, which is set to arrive in the summer, will be the first to offer a hybrid option.
Despite currently being in its concept phase, the Niro EV will be launched to the press later this year and go on sale in early 2019. It is fitted with a 201bhp electric motor with power coming from a 64kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.
Kia has also suggested the range of 238 miles could also be extended to 300 miles. The new Nissan Leaf, by comparison, has a range of 235 miles.
The Niro show car is fitted with an Active Pedestrian Warning System which alerts drivers to pedestrians or cyclists crossing in front of the vehicle.
While the looks on the outside are a departure from the existing Niro, much is likely to make it across to the production car. Inside, though, some of the clever tech might not see the light of day.
A Human Machine Interface for the infotainment and heating lets drivers control it by swiping a touchpad area on the steering wheel, while the car can understand voice recognition and, if it does not identify the driver, can shut down key functions.
Kia executives also hinted at a new longer-range electric Soul arriving soon, and said the next Cee’d – due in the summer – will have electrified powertrain options, as will the Soul.
A spokesman for Kia UK said: “Kia is aiming to be a leader in electric vehicle technology and will have 16 electrified models in the range by 2025, many of which will be arriving very soon indeed.”
“Kia is aiming to be a leader in electric vehicle technology and will have 16 electrified models in the range by 2025, many of which will be arriving very soon indeed.”
Kia also showcased a world-first in-vehicle 5G connection at the show with a real-time connection between Las Vegas and the firm’s head office in Seoul, South Korea. The connection enables users to stream data-heavy content to the car’s infotainment system and is likely to be rolled out on future models.
