Kia initiates ‘purpose-built vehicle’ strategy with launch of Niro Plus
15 September, 2022
3 May 2022
– Kia has revealed the Niro Plus, its first ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV). As a
Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, Kia is exploring diverse ways to help
people and businesses move beyond traditional automotive, and the company
expects its PBV models to be an important part of future mobility.
The Kia Niro Plus will be deployed as a general
model and zero-emissions taxi, with the company modifying the first-generation
Niro EV to make it suitable for the demands of modern-day car-hailing.
Kia is the one of the first movers in the
global PBV market and plans to become a market leader by 2030. To this end, the
company is developing a dedicated platform upon which PBVs of different shapes
and sizes can sit, meeting evolving customer needs and market trends.
Kia will launch its first dedicated PBV model
in 2025, by which time the global PBV market is expected to mature. The brand’s
first dedicated PBV will be similar in size to a mid-sized vehicle, with
inherent scalability.
Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia eLCV Business
Division, commented: “Kia is transforming its business strategy to focus on
popularising EVs, and introducing new mobility products that are tailored to
the needs of users in markets around the world. The Niro Plus is our first step
into the world of PBVs, a market that holds great potential for future
development.”
Niro Plus – Kia’s first PBV suitable for business and recreation
The Niro Plus is firmly part of Kia’s plans to become a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider and leader in PBV development. It also reflects a greater public demand for more sustainable means of working and travelling.
Kia is planning a general version of the Niro Plus for private owners, which can be used for many business and recreational purposes including car-hailing services. For example, Kia is envisaging a scenario where a small business owner uses the Niro Plus for work during the week, before making the most of its versatility at the weekend for leisure activities such as camping or visits to the seaside or mountains.
The demand for delivery and logistics services has increased significantly following the acceleration in e-commerce during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the PBV market grows, Kia plans to gradually expand its range from micro to large PBVs that can potentially offer an alternative to public transportation or even be used as mobile offices.
The general, non-taxi version of the Niro Plus will be made available in select overseas markets in the second half of the year. In addition to the battery electric vehicle (BEV) version, the Niro Plus will be available as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) electric vehicles in these markets, reflecting country-specific characteristics and diverse customer needs.
Kia aims to gradually expand its PBV business worldwide with the Niro Plus, and further launch markets and details will be announced soon.
Niro Plus taxi model
The Niro Plus taxi model is based on the first generation Niro EV – Kia’s popular electric crossover. Since its launch in 2018, the Niro EV has sold globally, demonstrating the growing public appetite for versatile BEVs.
Kia has made several enhancements to the first generation Niro to make the Niro Plus ready to meet the robust demands of taxi operators. Length and height of Niro Plus taxi model have increased by 10mm and 80mm respectively (compared to the first-generation Niro without roof rack), to give occupants more space inside the cabin. Slimmed-down structures have also contributed to the greater cabin space, with the Niro Plus taxi model featuring thinner seats and door trims compared to the original Niro EV. Additional passenger safety and convenience features including door reflectors and assist handles are also available in both the taxi and general versions.
An integrated All-in-One Display for the taxi model greatly improves convenience and safety for the driver, by removing the need for multiple devices and screens. The display includes all info relevant for taxi drivers to seamlessly go about their work, including navigation, app taximeter, digital tachograph and voice recognition. The system will also include data on relevant points of interest and locations of nearby EV charging stations. Kia plans to partner with local and national businesses to offer over-the-air (OTA) updates and services.
- Kia to make Niro Plus ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV) available in select markets
- Kia to bring Niro Plus taxi model for taxi operators
- Kia planning general model of Niro Plus for business and recreational purposes, available in select overseas markets
- Kia developing further micro to large PBVs on dedicated platform; targeting global PBV leadership by 2030
- Kia expects PBVs to be important part of company’s development as a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’
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