Kia showed up to CES with the Niro electric crossover concept, which previews a production model that will go on sale later this year. According to the presentation, the Niro has a 238-mile range and charge up to 115 miles worth of juice in just 30 minutes.
That range number will probably get the most attention, since it’s better than a standard Tesla Model 3's. Kia has made other improvements elsewhere, like with a new screen in the car’s front instead of the grille. (Electric cars, of course, don’t need to be cooled the same ways gasoline engines did.) Here’s more on that grille from Kia:
The traditional grille ... is replaced by a smooth interactive display panel, combined with ultra-slim lamp technology in the overall front. In profile, the concept draws inspiration from the current Kia Niro, with a modish compact crossover silhouette, elevated body and wide C-pillar.
The car is also silent, or mostly so, though is equipped with a system to warn pedestrians who are used to the roar of a gasoline engine:
The concept’s new Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS) features a combination of front view cameras, object recognition technology and front speakers. If the system detects a pedestrian or cyclist crossing in front of the car, the speakers sound an alert targeted specifically at that person, warning them of the car’s presence. APWS is matched by the Niro EV Concept’s new interactive lighting system, which offers users and pedestrians a highly-intuitive visual communication with vehicle.
Boundless for all, indeed.