Kia unveils all-electric version of Niro EV

KIA has unveiled a new allelectric version of Niro at the 5th International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju, Korea. Due to receive its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, it’s been created at Kia’s design centres in California and Namyang, Korea and aims to offer the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV in a more aerodynamic body.

Taking inspiration from the concept car unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the 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 sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the EV’s wheel arches.

The car is powered by a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain. Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, it will be able to drive over 380 km (236 miles) on a single charge with zero emissions, or up to 240 km (149 miles) on an optional 39.2 kWh battery.

The Niro EV will demonstrate the considerable steps the brand has made in delivering comfortable, fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero emissions motoring.The new car will go on sale in Korea during the second half of 2018 and be introduced to other markets in due course.

Full prices and specs for Europe and the UK have yet to be released.