Kia has unveiled the production-spec version of the Niro EV concept, whose plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version was displayed at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, in South Korea. Unlike the concept, the production-spec model looks similar to the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro SUV, with subtle differences to the exteriors.
The Niro EV is dimensionally similar to its hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions; however, there are marginal differences in its length and height. It is bigger than the India-bound (possibly) all-electric Hyundai SUV, the Kona EV, which is roughly the same size as the Creta.
NIRO EV
NIRO HYBRID AND PHEV
HYUNDAI KONA
Length
4,375mm
4,355mm
4,180mm
Width
1,805mm
1,805mm
1,800mm
Height
1,560mm
1,545mm
1,570mm
Wheelbase
2,700mm
2,700mm
2,600mm
The Niro EV gets the same 64kWh battery pack that Hyundai offers with the Kona EV. However, the Kia can do only 380km on a single charge vs the Hyundai’s 470km. The Niro EV also offers a smaller battery pack whose capacity has not been revealed yet, but is believed to be same as the Kona’s 39.2kWh.
Kia, however, has announced that with the smaller battery pack, the Niro EV can do 240km on a full charge. The Kona, on the other hand, is rated at 300km on a single charge with the same 39.2kWh battery pack. It is the same story as with the bigger 64kWh pack, and that’s could be because the Kona is lighter and smaller than the Niro.
Read in detail about the Hyundai Kona in our story here: Hyundai Kona Electric SUV Revealed; Might Be Launched In India
Hyundai is expected to launch the Kona in 2019 via CKD (completely knocked down) route with a local assembly in India. Since both the electric SUVs share a lot of common parts it would be fairly easy for Kia to assemble the Niro here as well. Moreover, several automakers in the country, including Tata, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, are planning to introduce their EVs soon. If launched, the Niro would be positioned just above the Kona, which is expected to be priced upwards of Rs 30 lakh.
