Kia has revealed the Niro Plus, a new, purpose-built vehicle (PBV) designed specifically for taxi and ride-hailing customers in Korea. The Niro Plus is based on the outgoing Niro EV (badged e-Niro in the UK), and features numerous body modifications, to make it suitable for zero-emissions taxi services.

As car brands move towards designs that feature universal underpinnings, many industry experts expect PBVs to become far more commonplace. With dramatically reduced development costs (the base of the car remains the same), manufacturers can easily create bespoke bodies and interiors to suit specific needs.

The approach sees the return of the ‘coachbuilding’ concept that has been around for as long as the car itself. In the early days of carmaking, manufacturers would create different body designs for a variety of customers. These would be based on a standard chassis that comprised a frame, engine and suspension. 

The Niro Plus will be deployed as a general model and zero-emission taxi in Korea, with the company modifying the first generation Niro EV to make it suitable for the demands of modern-day car-hailing. Its introduction follows the launch of the Ray Van in February, Korea's first single-seater van designed to satisfy the growing national demand for small cargo delivery services.

Kia is the one of the first movers in the global PBV market and plans to become a market leader by 2030. Although the Niro Plus is based on an older design, Kia is developing a dedicated platform upon which PBVs of different shapes and sizes can sit, meeting evolving customer needs and market trends.

Niro Plus is aimed at taxi and ride-hailing business customers and features a larger, bespoke interior

Kia will launch its first dedicated PBV model in 2025, by which time the global PBV market is expected to be considerably bigger. The brand’s first dedicated PBV will be similar in size to a mid-sized vehicle, with full scalability.

The Niro Plus taxi model is based on the first generation eNiro EV.  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), 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 eNiro. Additional passenger safety and convenience features including door reflectors and assist handles are also available in both the taxi and general versions.

An integrated All-in-One Display for taxi model improves convenience and safety for the driver, by removing the need for multiple devices and screens. The display will include all information relevant for taxi drivers to seamlessly go 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. Kia plans to partner with local and national businesses to offer over-the-air (OTA) updates and services.

Kia is launching the Niro Plus in Korea initially, but has plans to expand the programme should there be enough demand in other markets. As type approval processes vary around the world, some markets will be easier to enter than others. At present, there are no confirmed plans to offer this car in Europe or the UK.

Length and height of the Niro Plus taxi model have increased by 10mm and 80mm respectively to create more space for passengers