April 29, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Kia Motors, South Korea’s second-largest carmaker, is planning to launch a full-electric version of its brand-new compact crossover Stonic next year, ETnews reported on March 24.

The electric version will come after the launch of the first gasoline- and diesel-powered versions in the second half of this year. 

Kia Motors' Provo concept

The Stonic, equipped with a 44 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, is expected to run more than 300 kilometers on a single charge to rival General Motors’ Chevrolet Bolt EV with a maximum driving range of 383 kilometers.

The new car will share the same platform with Hyundai Motors’ i20 hatchback. Hyundai’s upcoming compact SUV, tentatively called Kona, is also expected to use the platform.

Earlier this month, spy shots of the Sonic undergoing cold-weather tests in Europe were spotted. The car’s overall styling is rumored to be based on Kia’s Provo concept released at the Geneva Auto Show in 2013.

Kia plans to launch the EV version of its plug-in hybrid Niro SUV next year as well, reflecting the carmaker’s focus on the fast-growing compact SUV segment.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)