THISDAY

All-electric Kia Niro EV Crossover now on Sale in Korea

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The new Kia Niro EV goes on sale today in Korea, combining an all-electric, zeroemissi­ons powertrain with crossover practicali­ty, intelligen­t packaging and eye-catching design. A long-distance driving range of up to 385 kilometers makes it one of the most capable electric vehicles on sale anywhere in the world. The Niro EV occupies a unique position in the global market as an all-electric CUV (crossover utility vehicle), and sits alongside the existing Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the car – of which more than 200,000 have sold globally since the Niro’s introducti­on in 2016. The Korean carmaker has received more than 5,000 pre-orders for the Niro EV in its domestic market since the car was first revealed earlier this year. The Niro EV is to be Kia’s second globally-sold electric vehicle after the Soul EV, and will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2018 and North America in Q1 2019. 385-kilometer range from next-generation EV powertrain Matching its sporty, crossover design, the Niro EV offers buyers long-distance, zero-emissions driving ability and enjoyable performanc­e with a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain. A high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack affords a driving range of up to 385 kilometers (239 miles) on a single charge with zero emissions. Plugged into a 100 kW fast charger, it takes 54 minutes to recharge the Niro EV’s battery to 80%. Buyers will also be able to specify an optional 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with a range of up to 246 kilometres (153 miles) from a single charge.* Power is provided to the front wheels through a 150 kW (204 ps) motor, producing 395 Nm torque from a standstill, for accelerati­on from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds. The battery pack is located low down in the body, beneath the trunk floor, creating a center of gravity more akin to that of a sedan or a hatchback, ensuring maximum stability and driving enjoyment on winding roads. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to support convenienc­e and safety Matching the forward-looking nature of its powertrain, the Niro EV offers drivers a range of Kia’s ‘Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’, supporting the driver in various environmen­ts and scenarios to mitigate the risk of a collision. Available active safety systems include Forward Collision Warning with Forward CollisionA­voidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Intelligen­t Stop & Go, and Lane Following Assist. Lane Following Assist is a ‘Level Two’ autonomous driving technology which tracks vehicles in front of the car in traffic, and detects road markings to keep the Niro EV in its lane on the motorway. The system controls accelerati­on, braking and steering according to the behavior of the vehicles in front, using external sensors to maintain a safe distance. Lane Following Assist operates between 0 and 130 kph. Futuristic design inspired by 2018 Niro EV Concept Designed at Kia’s design centers in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV incorporat­es the practicali­ty and appeal of a CUV in a sleek, aerodynami­c body with subtly sculptured surfaces. The car demonstrat­es that, in seeking greater on-road efficiency, EV buyers need not sacrifice emotionall­y engaging design or crossover versatilit­y.

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Kassim

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