Hyundai isn’t the only Korean brand preparing to dive headfirst into the electric vehicle space. A new battery-electric car from development partner Kia has been spied undergoing testing Europe.
Unlike the Niro, which is available as both a hybrid and fully-electric vehicle, this model is said to eschew internal combustion altogether and use Hyundai’s new dedicated electric vehicle architecture, dubbed E-GMP.
Rumours indicate top-shelf variants will have around 500 kilometres of range.
Under the skin, the Kia EV will share a lot in common with the upcoming Hyundai 45.
While the 45 has a blocky, upright shape paying homage to the 1975 Pony, the first Hyundai model designed in-house, the Kia EV has a more sporty stance.
The roof slopes down aggressively from the windscreen, while out the back it seems to feature a fastback hatch.
From what we can see, the Kia will have flush-fitting, possibly pop-out, door handles like the 45.
The small headlight units tie in with some black plastic trim pieces, which are likely to be a new take on the brand’s “tiger nose grille” design.
Other styling details are hard to discern as there are plenty of false panels underneath the car’s disguise, although it could borrow some elements from last year’s Imagine concept.
By 2025 Hyundai and Kia are planning to launch 23 electric vehicles, and 22 “eco-friendly” hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
