THE Kia Niro EV Concept follows Hyundai Group's Korean brand strategy for the future, presenting it in Las Vegas at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show). The 100% electric SUV was the missing element to complete the Niro's offer, which already has a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.
Those who were waiting for the Niro we already know, Kia surprised with a much more distinct concept, presenting itself with a more stylized and sophisticated look.
The Kia Niro EV Concept is 100% electric and has a different frontal section than we are used to. Since cooling is not required, the front grill is replaced by a display. Utility? Perhaps to leave messages to the EMEL inspectors.
Useful will be the 64 kWh lithium batteries and the 150 kW electric motor, which will allow a power of more than 200 hp and an autonomy estimated to reach 380 km.
Although, for now, presented in the form of a concept, the Kia Niro also allows us to foresee an interior that is different from the other models of the brand, with some futuristic touches, lots of technology and fully digital instrumentation.
There were several technologies presented by Kia at CES 2018 (Consumer Electronics Show), all of them focused on three fundamental pillars: autonomous driving, connectivity and electrification.
autonomous driving
The brand plans to market level 4 autonomous driving technology, with tests due to start in 2021.
Connectivity
It's not about the connectivity we've heard about mobile devices. By 2025 Kia intends to adopt connected car technologies that will extend to all its models, with plans to complete the entire range by 2030. Indispensable technology for the future of autonomous driving, called “Vehicle-to-vehicle” (V2V) and which allows communication between vehicles with this type of technology.
Electrification
By 2025, the brand will present 16 models with some type of electrification, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, 100% electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in 2020.
