All-Electric Kia Niro Spied for the First Time
Spy photographers have caught the Kia Niro EV testing on public roadways for the first time.
Testing alongside the all-electric version of the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro EV is expected to make its debut sometime in 2018, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show. The two crossovers are part of Hyundai and Kia’s plan to add more electrified vehicles to their lineups.
The Kia Niro EV will reportedly share its powertrain with the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, using the same 28-kWh battery pack and 120-horsepower electric motor. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric returns an EPA-estimated 124 miles of combined range, so expect the Niro EV to have slightly worse performance because of its heavier weight — possibly around 110 to 115 miles of range.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Niro Review
Hyundai, however, has confirmed it is working on longer-range electric vehicles with the possibility of 200-mile-plus ranges arriving next year. So by the time the Kia Niro EV hits the market, it will likely benefit from a larger battery and longer range.
Although the prototype caught on camera is wearing quite a bit of camouflage, there will be slight changes to the styling of the electric variant, including the addition of a charging port.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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