Kia Motors Corporation proved to be pioneers by unveiling their third electric vehicle in a year. This concept car will explore the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market.

Measuring 3,890 mm in length, the Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2,647, 1,844 and 1,589 mm respectively) – plus the short overhangs which place a wheel at each corner – ensure that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants.

The Naimo has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to maximize easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening trunk which allows versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.

Power comes from a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with a maximum output of 80 kW (109 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph).

A twin-pack 27 kWh battery is located under the trunk floor and uses innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. To enhance range, the show car is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after five and a half hours.

Naimo will join Kia’s growing pioneering test fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles. These test vehicles will be extensively driven in widely varying conditions to develop future production models with zero or significantly reduced emissions. Read more on Kia concept cars at Kia Menlyn.