Remember the futuristic Imagine by Kia
Concept unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show? Well, it looks like the Korean
company is bringing it to production, at least parts of it. This is probably
the most valid explanation for this intriguing prototype Kia has been spotted
testing in Germany. While any shape could hide underneath the heavy camouflage
and padding, the vehicle appears to combine elements of the Imagine by Kia and
Futuron concept cars.
It features a crossover-coupe shape,
though what’s behind the C-pillars is anyone’s guess for now. So how do we know
it’s an electric vehicle? Well, it did not emit any internal combustion engine
noises and had no exhaust pipes. The aero-styled wheels are another pretty
strong clue.
Kia already has two electric vehicles on
the market, the Niro EV and Soul EV. However, both are electrified versions of
existing ICE-powered models. The next step is to offer a model developed from
scratch as an electric vehicle and that’s where this crossover-coupe will come
in.
Codenamed CV, the new Kia electric
crossover will be based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that
will also underpin the upcoming Hyundai 45 and Prophecy electric vehicles. No
specific details are available about the battery and electric motor(s), but the
vehicle is said to offer a driving range of 500 km, as well as high-speed
charging time of under 20 minutes.
The EV crossover will be the first of
several zero-emission vehicles Kia will launch from 2022 onwards.
