Following the local release of the Niro hybrid and plug--in hybrid SUV, Kia New Zealand has confirmed a full-electric model will join the line-up early next year.
The full-electric version Kia Niro SUV was recently unveiled at a special event in Korea with expectations that it will be able to drive at least 380km on a single charge.
Kia New Zealand say there has been strong anticipation for the EV version after the release of the current Niro line-up in March.
“The acceptance of the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Niro models by New Zealand buyers has been exceptional,” said GM Kia Motors New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“It has proved to us that there is a place in the regular market for a well-designed SUV that delivers astonishingly low fuel consumption. With petrol prices set to jump as a result of the incoming fuel taxes there is every expectation that demand will continue to climb for all variants of Niro."
As on of the first full-electric compact SUVs to arrive in New Zealand, Kia say the Niro EV will add a new dimension to the compact SUV market.
Designed in collaboration between Kia’s design centres in California and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV promises to incorporate the practicality of a compact SUV with a sleek, aerodynamic body.
The Niro EV is powered by Kia’s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies developed for Kia electric vehicles. Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV is targeting a zero-emission range of over 380 kilometres on a single charge, or up to 240 kilometres when paired with an optional 39.2 kWh battery system.
Kia's sister company Hyundai is also expected to introduce a full-electric Kona SUV in early 2019. Hyundai is expected to introduce two Kona EV models, a long-range battery version providing up to 470km of range and a basic version that can drive up to 300km on a single charge.
Kia will introduce the new Niro EV to its home market in Korea during the second half of 2018, with other markets, including New Zealand, to follow in 2019.