Making its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show, the
Kia Naimo electric concept car combines Korean heritage with innovative
modern features.
Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the KIA Naimo electric
crossover utility vehicle (CUV) was conceived by Kia’s international design team in Seoul, and is characterized principally by its simple
lines and solid, muscular stance.
The uncomplicated overall design is accentuated by a number of striking key details, such as the wraparound windscreen and asymmetric sunroof design, and the front and rear dot-style LED
head- and positioning-lamps. Asian Celadon-style
pottery, in particular, was a major influence on the car’s styling – with the pottery’s asymmetric form lending itself to the sunroof design, and the typical jade coloring giving Naimo its unique exterior finish.
Kia’s design team also made use of innovative technology features to give the KIA Naimo a premium feel and to ensure the car’s exterior remained uncluttered. For example, KIA Naimo has no traditional wiper blade on the windscreen – instead it employs a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen that performs an ‘air wiper’ function. Conventional door mirrors have also been replaced with miniature cameras
installed in the A-pillars.
KIA Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a
strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Alongside these traditional elements sit modern features such as a TOLED (transparent organic light emitting diode) storming display
instrument panel and full device connectivity.
Measuring 3,890 mm in length, the KIA 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 KIA Naimo concept car has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear
doors to maximize easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening trunk, 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 KIA 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, the KIA Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.
Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the KIA 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.
