Kia has revealed the Kia Niro Plus, its first ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV) for business/recreational purposes and Korean taxi operators.

The Niro Plus taxi model is based on the first generation Niro EV. Kia has made several enhancements to the first generation Niro to make the Niro Plus ready to meet the demands of Korean taxi operators.

For example, the length and height of the Niro Plus taxi model have increased by 10 mm and 80 mm respectively (compared to the first generation Niro without a roof rack), to give occupants more space inside the cabin. Slimmed-down structures have also contributed to the greater cabin space, with the Niro Plus taxi model featuring thinner seats and door trims compared to the original Niro EV. Additional passenger safety and convenience features including door reflectors and assist handles are also available in the taxi version.

The Niro Plus also gets an integrated all-in-one display by removing the need for multiple devices and screens. The display will include all information relevant for taxi drivers about their work, including navigation, app taximeter, digital tachograph and voice recognition. The system will also include data on relevant points of interest and locations of nearby EV charging stations.

In addition to the battery electric vehicle (BEV) version, the Niro Plus will be available as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) electric vehicles in these markets, reflecting country-specific characteristics and diverse customer needs.

Kia is one of the first movers in the global PBV market and plans to become a market leader by 2030. To this end, the company is developing a dedicated platform upon which PBVs of different shapes and sizes can sit, meeting evolving customer needs and market trends.The Korean manufacturer will launch its first dedicated PBV model in 2025.