Kia Niro EV Concept debuts at CES
The electric Kia Niro has debuted at the 2018 CES in Las Vegas, boasting new styling, new technology and a claimed range of 238 miles. It previews the production Niro EV.
Kia say the Niro EV Concept is a showcase for its new ACE strategy (that’s Autonomous, Connected and Eco/Electric), but strip away some of the concept bits and this is the production Niro EV.
The exterior changes from the regular Niro and Niro Hybrid include the grille replaced by an interactive display panel (its says “Hello CES” on the CES car), new headlights, a tweaked bumper at the front an a redesigned back end for improved air flow.
Inside, the Niro EV gets a new Human Machine Interface (HMI), with control managed by swiping a leather area on the steering wheel, facial recognition log-in, a sound separation system which lets drivers and passengers listen to different audio (parents rejoice) and 5G connectivity.
The electric powertrain delivers power from a 64kWh battery pack to the 201bhp electric motor which is enough for a 238 mile range and a 115mile splash and dash in fifteen minutes charge.
It looks like the production Niro EV will come with the option of a smaller battery pack too.
It seems likely the production version of the Niro EV will arrive later this year, with Kia planning a total of 16 new electric vehicles – including five hybrids and plug-ins, five BEVs and an FCEV – by 2025.
Mark Geller says
Assume that’s Hello CES? While I certainly applaud mobility being represented, I actually think CES should stay more non-auto. Maybe the Auto shows should have separate sections for all the new auto-related electronic gadgets? When they are whole cars, I just wonder if this is the venue for them,?