Kia is to launch a fully electric version of its Niro model later this year and says the car will be capable of a 450 km range, using its "next generation" drivetrain.
The range has yet to be verified in real-world conditions but would mark a significant increase in driving range for an electric car on one charge. The car will be fitted with a choice of batteries – the bigger 64 kWh unit for which the 450 km range is claimed and a smaller 39.2 kWh battery, which has an anticipated range of 300 km.
The electric Niro's range claims will be tested under a newly-introduced real-world conditions procedure.
Kia says the range for both batteries are "expected targets" and are subject to further development and testing within the requirements of the newly introduced World Light Vehicle Test Procedure, which aims to test cars in more representative real-world conditions.
The new Niro will be launched in Europe at the Paris Motor Show in October and will be in production later in the year. It was designed at Kia’s design centres in California and Korea.
New features for the Niro EV are a newly-dsigned radiator grille, a "futuristic air intake" and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights.
