Kia has revealed the first photos of its new Niro EV, along with an estimated range for the subcompact crossover.
The Niro hybrid was revealed in 2016, with sales starting in South Korea later that year. The all-electric version, which was just unveiled at a Korean EV expo, doesn't stray far from the original in the styling department.
Kia adds some new trim to the Niro EV. The grille is blocked out with a body-colour panel that holds the charge port, and there is some blue detailing to let you know you're looking at the electric version. A concept version of the EV was at CES earlier this year, but the production version drops the concept car's LED grille and more heavily revised styling.
Under the skin are more substantial changes. Like a new electric powertrain that is charged by a 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery back. With that pack, Kia is targeting a 380 km range on a single charge. For those looking to swap range for cost, a 39.2 kWh battery pack offers a 240 km range. The big battery sounds like the same one offered in the Hyundai Kona, which has a 201 hp electric motor and a slightly higher range. Kia has not revealed motor specs for the Niro EV.
The Kia Niro EV is set to go on sale in Korea in the second half of the year, with Canadian market availability information to follow.
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