2011 Kia Naimo Concept

Looks like Kia is finally ready to jump into the electric car bandwagon. The Korean automaker used their hometown auto show, the Seoul Motor Show, to release their new electric car concept, the Naimo.

The name is taken from the Korean word ‘Ne-mo’, which translates to ‘square shape’ – not the fish, mind you. Just as the name suggests, the car’s overall look is square enough to look like a box of shoes. Having no B-pillars certainly helps in the boxy design.

Despite the number of ‘box’ connotations, the Naimo’s overall design was actually influenced by Asian Celadon-style pottery, which is meant to exude a design with contrasting shapes and designs. The Naimo’s asymmetrical design is evident in a number of features found in the concept, including the quirky, see-through roof, the lack of a distinguishable front bumper, the square-shaped LED headlamps, and the high-rising rear profile of the concept. Inside, Kia went a little more toned down – and nationalistic - with the design while still sticking with fancy features that are staples in concepts. The Korean automaker made use of Korean oak on the car’s floor and interior door panels and Korean “Han-ji” paper on the headlining.

The Naimo makes use of a Permanent Magnet Synchornous Motor, an electric motor that provides 109 horsepower and about 206 lb/ft f torque. These figures translate to a top speed of 93 mph and lithium-ion battery pack range of 124 miles on one charge. The car also has a quick re-charge system that should reach 80 percent capacity in a little less than half an hour.