# Kia Reveals It’s First Purpose-Built Vehicle – the Niro Plus

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/kia-reveals-its-first-purpose-built-vehicle-the-niro-plus/
- Published: 2022-04-28T09:59:31-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Kia has today revealed the Niro Plus, its first ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV). As
a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, Kia is exploring diverse ways to help
people and businesses move beyond traditional automotive. The company expects its
PBV models to be an important part of future mobility.

The Kia [Niro Plus](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/ford-starts-production-of-all-electric-f-150-lightning-trucks/)
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.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/614116.jpg?resize
=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/kia-to-establish-first-manufacturing-facility-in-korea-for-electric-purpose-built-vehicles-pbvs/)
of different shapes and sizes can sit, meeting evolving customer needs and market
trends.

[Kia will launch its first dedicated PBV](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/kia-pbv-facility-production-targets-10000-vehicles/)
model in 2025. That’s the time the global PBV market is expected to mature. The 
brand’s first dedicated PBV will be similar in size to a mid-sized vehicle, with
inherent scalability.

Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia eLCV Business Division, commented: “Kia is transforming
its business strategy to focus on [popularizing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/kia-niro-design-award-for-exceptional-product-design/)
EVs and introducing new mobility products that are tailored to the needs of users
in markets around the world. The Niro Plus is our first step into the world of PBVs,
a market that holds great potential for future development.”

## **Niro Plus – Kia’s first PBV suitable for business and recreation **

The [Niro Plus is firmly part of Kia’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/02/kia-niro-phev-2025-review-fuel-efficiency-and-fun/)
plans to become a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. Moreover, a leader in
PBV development. It also reflects a greater public demand for more [sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/5-technologies-making-companies-more-sustainable/)
means of working and traveling.

Kia is planning a general version of the Niro Plus for private owners. The owners
can use it for many business and recreational purposes including car-hailing services.
For example, Kia is envisaging a scenario where a small business owner uses the 
Niro Plus for work during the week. Therefore, during the weekend they can make 
the most of its versatility. For instance, leisure activities such as camping or
visits to the seaside or mountains.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/614119.jpg?resize
=300%2C169&quality=52&ssl=1)

The demand for delivery and logistics services has increased significantly following
the acceleration in e-commerce during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the PBV market grows,
Kia plans to gradually expand its range. That’s from micro to large PBVs that can
potentially offer an alternative to public transportation. Moreover, people can 
even use them as mobile offices.

The general, non-taxi version of the Niro Plus will be available in select overseas
markets. That’s in the second half of the year. Additionaly, the Niro Plus will 
be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) [electric vehicle in these markets](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/volta-trucks-vehicles-reveal-strategy-into-north-american-market/).
Therefore, reflecting country-specific characteristics and diverse customer needs.

Kia aims to gradually expand its PBV business worldwide with the Niro Plus. In addition,
Kia wants to further launch markets and will announce details soon.