The Kia Naimo electric concept car with unique innovative modern features made its world premiere at the recent Seoul Motor Show.
Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo” (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’ ), the Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle is characterised 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.
Kia’s design team also made use of innovative technology features to give the car a premium feel and to ensure the car’s exterior remained uncluttered. For example, 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.
Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. One features stands out - it is called toled (transparent organic light emitting diode ) storming display instrument panel and full device connectivity.
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.
Power comes from an electric motor, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, with a maximum output of 80kW (109ps ) and maximum torque of 280Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150kph (93mph ).
A twin-pack 27kWh battery is located under the trunk floor and uses innovative Lithium Ion Polymer technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200km (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 (50kW ) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3kW ), 100 per cent power is attained after five and a half hours.
Kai tells us that Naimo will join its growing test fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles being extensively driven in widely varying conditions to develop future production models with zero or significantly reduced emissions.
