Niro Plus – purpose built
Kia has revealed the Niro Plus, which it’s describing as its first “purpose-built vehicle” (PBV).
The marque is exploring diverse ways to help people and businesses move “beyond traditional automotive” and expects its PBVs to become an important part of future mobility.
The Niro Plus, pictured, will be deployed as a general model and zero-emissions taxi in South Korea, with the company modifying the first-generation Niro EV to make it suitable for car-hailing.
Its introduction follows the launch of the Ray Van in February, the country’s first single-seater van designed to satisfy growing national demand for small cargo delivery services.
Kia is one of the first movers in the global PBV market and plans to become a market leader by 2030.
To this end, it is developing a dedicated platform upon which PBVs of different shapes and sizes can sit in order to meet evolving customer needs and market trends.
Kia will launch its first dedicated PBV model in 2025, by which time the global market for the new segment is expected to mature. It will be similar in size to a mid-sized vehicle, with inherent scalability.
The marque 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.
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 transport 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 2023.
In addition to the battery electric vehicle (BEV) version, it will be available as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and petrol hybrid in these jurisdictions.
Kia has made several enhancements to the first-generation Niro to make the Niro Plus ready to meet the demands of taxi operators.
Its length and height have increased by 10mm and 80mm respectively compared to the first-generation Niro without a roof rack.
Slimmed-down structures have also contributed to the greater cabin space, with the taxi model featuring thinner seats and door trims.
Extra 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 taxi improves convenience and safety for the driver by removing the need for multiple devices and screens.
The display will include all information relevant for taxi drivers, including navigation, an app taximeter, digital tachograph and voice recognition.
The system will also have 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 updates and services.
