Kia Naimo EV concept ready for Seoul Motor Show debut

13 years, 7 months ago - 2 April 2011
Kia Naimo EV concept ready for Seoul Motor Show debut
The name Naimo is Korean for "square," and the new Kia EV concept certainly fits its name. But we're not talking about a total box, as you can see from the photo above. The B-segment vehicle, which will debut this week at the Seoul Motor Show, looks primed to take on all comers in the emerging small car segment, with interesting lines, plenty of LEDs all around and a touch of Korean heritage.

The Naimo has no B-pillars, and the rear doors open up clamshell-style, an auto show staple that almost never makes it to production. The concept also features massive 20-inch wheels, which almost look comical on such a small vehicle, and the square-themed wheels are wrapped in low rolling resistance rubber.

The third electric vehicle design to be unveiled by Kia Motors Corporation in a year, the 3.9-metre long Naimo concept explores 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).

On the inside, Kia designers were looking for a tranquil feel, with Korean oak covering the concept's floor and adorning the trim. A transparent organic LED display instrument panel and full connectivity gives the Naimo that futuristic concept interior look without going too Buck Rogers.

Power comes from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a maximum output of 80 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150 kph.

A twin-pack 27 kWh battery is located under the boot floor and uses innovative Lithium Ion Polymer technology. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km on a single charge.

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