Kia has launched the Kia Niro Plus as a commercial version of the first generation Kia Niro EV (27/4). The Kia Niro Plus is Kia’s first electric-powered Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) to launch in South Korea for the taxi fleet.
The presence of Niro Plus is also an opening for Kia’s global PBV strategy and is ready to become a market leader in 2030.
“Kia is changing its business strategy to popularize electric cars and introduce new mobility products,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of eLCV Business Division at Kia Corporation.
See also: 2002 Kia Niro PHEV and EV technical specifications revealed
“Niro Plus is the first step into the world of PBV, a market that has great potential in the future,” added Kim.
At first glance, the Kia Niro Plus has a different and more unique appearance than the first or latest generation of the Kia Niro EV.
The front still retains the Tiger Face design and sharp, upright headlights like the old Niro EV.
See also: Everything You should know about 2023 Kia Niro Specifications
But heading to the rear, the Kia Niro Plus gets a slightly raised roof and a more boxy rear profile.
Kia says the taxi version of the Niro Plus gets an increase in length and height of 10 mm and 80 mm when compared to the regular Niro.
Other changes can be found in the features. The taxi version of the Kia Niro Plus gets thinner seats and door trim so that the interior is more spacious.
Then there are door reflectors and the All-In One screen which is said to be able to integrate the navigation system and meter.
Kia has not provided detailed information on the Kia Niro Plus and its differences with the regular Kia Niro.
See also: 2023 Kia Niro marks its North America debut at the New York International Auto Show
As an illustration, the first generation Kia Niro EV with a 64 kWh battery has an electric motor that produces 150 kW or 204 hp and 395 Nm of torque.
The Niro EV is claimed to have a range of 385 kilometers and the battery can be charged up to 80% in just 54 minutes.
