Electrification of cars, today, is not just an "offering"; it's a necessity. While there are some automakers who arrived late to the party (cough... DS... cough), there are also a few who took steps years ago. Kia embarked on the EV mission with the Soul EV which has been a runaway success over the years. Kia introduced the Niro EV at the ongoing '5th International Electric Car Expo',. This wholesome package garnered a lot of attention for its looks and features. Can the Niro EV take the electric crossover segment by storm? Let's find out.

Who's this new kid on the block?

The Niro EV was unveiled earlier this year at the CES 2018. Kia emphasized the Niro EV's creative appearance while taking into account its "clean and high technology." On the exterior, the Niro EV features 17-inch wheels, a radiator grille, DRLs that look like an arrowhead, and modified side sills. The crossover is 4,375 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width and 1,560 mm in height. An official from Kia said, "The Niro EV is equipped with the best commerciality; it can travel long distances with a single charge, and the space utilization is the best in its class. With the Niro EV, which covers all aspects of economy, space, and safety, Kia Motors' position will be further strengthened."

The electric crossover comes with two battery pack options - A 64 kWh battery with a range of 380 km and a 39.2 kWh battery with a range of 240 km. On the safety front, the Niro EV comes equipped with Lane Keeping Assistance, Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assistance, etc.

 

Our Take

It's good to see Kia emerge as one of the global leaders of EVs. When Kia launched the Soul EV in 2014, they set a global sales target of 5000 units; although they managed to accomplish the feat only in 2015. And in 2018, Kia achieved the same number with the Niro EV within three days! Currently, the Kia Niro is sold as a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, and it's quite a hit. The car sold over 23,000 units last year and the Niro EV will help Kia increase these figures. The company has not announced an official launch date yet, but it could probably be in 2019.

On a different note, this smart-looking crossover is set to take on its own cousin, the Hyundai Kona EV. Since both these cars are going to be priced in the same bracket, should the Hyundai Group be worried about competition within the same family? This has happened in the past with Volkswagen and Skoda. Can Hyundai sort this out without tarnishing each other's sales numbers? Well, that's for another day! Do you think the Niro EV can replicate Soul EV's success in the crossover segment? Let us know in the comments section below.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Kia Niro.

>

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Kia Niro EV.

Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Niro EV Concept.

Read more Kia news.