Kia is working on a new electric SUV that was recently caught on camera during its test rounds in South Korea. The model seems to be in its early testing phase as it heavily camouflaged test mule was devoid of even taillamps. Dimensionally, the new Kia electric SUV will as big as the Kia Seltos. It will be based on the Kia Seltos and underpin Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It’s the brand’s first bespoke EV architecture that will be used for future Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles ranging from hatchbacks to full-size SUVs.
The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover will be the first model to be designed on the E-GMP platform. The new architecture has “multi-charging” system supporting 400V infrastructure, thanks to the world’s first patented inverter technology. It’s claimed to offer a maximum range of over 310 miles on a single charge. Its battery pack can be charged up to 80% in less than 18 minutes from a 350kW fast charger. The platform has the standard high-speed 800V charging capability.
The new Kia electric SUV is likely to measure around 4.3 metre in length and its wheelbase will be similar to the new Sportage. The model might share some of its design elements with the Kia EV6, which was revealed earlier this year. Despite the canvas camouflage, one can notice it’s a rising window line, trunk lid and rear bash plate. The upcoming electric SUV carries upright and boxy stance. Its production-ready version could be named Kia EV4 or EV5.
The new Kia electric SUV is expected to be launched sometime next year. The report further suggests that the South Korean carmaker is also working on a bigger electric SUV that could be christened Kia EV7 or EV8. It will be as big as the Hyundai Ioniq7.
Spy Pictures’ Source
