CES 2018: Kia reveals Niro EV Concept and vision for future mobility

Kia has revealed their future mobility plans and the Niro EV concept at the 2018 CES in Las Vegas.

Kia Motors has presented their future mobility plans at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. They have called this vision ‘Boundless for all’ and have elaborated new range of technologies as a part of their new ‘ACE’ strategy towards Autonomous, Connected and ECO/Electric cars of the future.

With the three core elements of ACE, Kia plans to commercialise Level 4 autonomous technology and begin testing in 2021. By 2025, Kia plans to adopt connected car technology across the range with an aim to make every product a connected car by 2030. Additionally, by 2025, Kia will introduce 16 new advanced powertrains and products which include a range of new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, in addition to launching an all-new fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2020.

At the CES this year, the Kia Niro EV Concept has also been showcased. The Niro EV Concept is a fully electric compact SUV designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. The traditional front grille has been replaced with a display panel, as it is no longer needed for cooling the powertrain. In profile, the concept takes inspiration from the current Kia Niro with an elevated body and wide C-Pillar to provide a crossover style shape. The Niro EV Concept’s seamless rear aspect has clean and sharp trailing edges, allowing air to flow more easily off the back of the car.

In the future world of silent electric mobility, the Niro EV Concept features technology which enables an alarm for pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas through speakers mounted at the front of the vehicle with the Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS). Additionally, it also has a new interactive lighting system, which offers users and pedestrians a highly-intuitive visual communication with the vehicle. As far as the power generation for the Niro EV goes, it will get its juice from a 64kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, which will send power to a 150kW electric motor. Kia claims this will provide a driving range of 383 kilometres.

Inside, the cabin has been designed with a pure, minimalist and digital appearance, creating greater user interaction with new technologies and features. As for internet connectivity, Kia has exhibited the world’s first in-car 5G internet connectivity with the Niro EV.