Kia reveals electric Niro at Busan Motor Show

Kia Motors has revealed its new Niro EV, an electric compact crossover with a 280 miles range, at the 2018 Busan International Motor Show in Korea.

In Europe, the Niro EV will be equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, providing a driving range of more than 280 miles on a single charge. Plugged into a 100 kW fast charger, it takes 54 minutes to recharge the Niro EV’s battery to 80 per cent. Buyers will also be to specify their Niro EV with an optional 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with a range of up to 186 ,lies from a single charge.

The battery pack is located low down in the body, beneath the trunk floor, giving the crossover maximum stability.

The Niro EV will go on sale in Korea during the second half of 2018, and will be introduced in Europe in due course. UK on-sale date, pricing and specification will be announced in due course.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The Soul EV – Kia’s first globally-sold electric vehicle – has proved popular with European buyers, with growing interest in zero-emissions vehicles. The Niro’s new all-electric powertrain rounds off a trio of low-emissions powertrains available to European buyers, alongside the current hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. A combination of cool crossover design and advanced powertrains led to more than 28,000 Niro sales across Europe in 2017, making it one of our best-selling models. The Niro EV further demonstrates the progress Kia has made in delivering comfortable, practical and fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero-emissions driving.”