Kia teases pure-electric concept

KIA Motors has revealed a single front-on teaser of its upcoming all-electric concept to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva motor show.

The image shows a futuristic LED light signature which runs the entire width of the car in an unbroken line.

Wide hips, a large bonnet bulge and an abstract lower bumper give the car a dominating stance, pointing towards a performance edge.

The image appears to show camera-based digital wing mirrors and tall-and-wide wheels protruding from the guards.

According to Kia Motors Europe president of design Gregory Guillaume, the upcoming concept answers concerns about both driving range and performance.

“Automotive design is about capturing the heart and making it beat that bit faster for that bit longer – and we believe that there’s absolutely no reason why that should change simply because the car is electric,” he said.

“We imagined designing an all-electric car that not only answered consumer concerns around range, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamism, but one that also gave you goose bumps when you looked at it, and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you drove it.

“That’s why our all-electric concept is designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification.”

It Is unclear what underpins the new concept, however, Kia has electrification resources from its pure-electric Niro mid-size SUV, which features a 64kWh lithium-polymer battery pack for a driving range of more than 450km.

The Niro is expected to go on sale in Australia towards the end of the year, followed by the new Kia Soul which will also offer an all-electric powerplant.

Designed at Kia’s European design centre in Frankfurt, the all-electric concept will be revealed on March 5 at the Geneva motor show in Switzerland, at which time Kia will reveal more details.