Kia has introduced the all-new Niro EV at the
International Electric Vehicle Expo in South Korea. Previewed by the Niro EV
concept, the production model more closely follows the standard Niro and Niro
plug-in hybrid. Despite the styling similarities, the Niro EV has a unique
front bumper with sportier air intakes featuring “arrowhead” shaped day running
lights.
Another key change is the addition of a
flush-mounted grille that has a subtle geometric pattern on it. The grille also
houses the car’s electrical charging port. Rounding out of the styling changes
is a new lower air intake and additional plastic body cladding which forms a
front splitter. The Niro EV has also greenish accents and 17-inch wheels with
large surfaces which likely reduce drag. The rear of the car largely carries
over but there’s a modestly revised bumper with air vents.
Kia was coy on performance specifications but
confirmed the model will be offered with two different batteries including a 64
kWh unit which will enable the model to travel 380 km on a single.
The company will also offer a 39.2 kWh battery pack which will provide a range
in excess of 240 km.
Little else is known about the car but Kia said the
Niro EV will be offered with an assortment of driver assistance systems. These
include frontal collision avoidance assistance, lane departure assistance,
smart cruise control and a rear collision warning system.
Kia has high hopes for the Niro EV as the company
received more than 5,000 pre-orders in three days this past February. The
company also noted the Niro PHEV has been popular as the company sold 23,647
units last year.
