The compact SUV is expected to draw on EV technology from within the Hyundai Motor Group and feature the same powertrain as sister firm Hyundai’s Ioniq EV; the low-capacity battery paired with a 133bhp motor, while performance for the 64kWh unit rises to 202bhp. However these are understood to be the specifications for the Korean market cars, and may differ from the versions that will be sold in the UK.
Hyundai is offering 100kW charging capability – twice the speed of today’s rapid chargers – enabling 80% of that range to be recovered in less than an hour, which is also likely to be shared between the two cars.
The Niro EV features a unique bodykit with deeper bumpers and side skirts, with aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels and a closed grille in which the charging point is located. European-market versions will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September.
In the UK, the Niro EV extends Kia’s growing range of hybrid and electric vehicles including the Soul EV, Optima and Niro PHEV, with a plan to offer 16 electrified vehicles by 2025.
