Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 8th 2010 at 1:59PM 
Kia Venga EV concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Apparently, we we missed at least one interesting machine from the recently concluded press days at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia showed off a battery electric version of its new Venga B-segment hatchback. Like the rest of Kia and Hyundai's hybrids and plug-in concepts either in production or recently shown, the Venga EV uses lithium polymer batteries, likely sourced from LG Chem. The battery pack is stored under the floorpan of the electric vehicle (EV).
The Venga EV contains 24 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity. The front wheels are driven by an 80-kilowatt motor packing a stout 206 pound-feet of torque. Kia says that the concept has about 112 miles of driving range and a 50-kW fast charge can provide an 80-percent recharge in as little as 20 minutes, while a full charge at normal power levels takes about eight hours. The rest of the details can be found in the press release after the break.
Gallery: Kia Venga EV
[Source: Kia]
All-electric Kia Venga EV concept car
Making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-electric, zero-emissions Kia Venga EV concept car is the same size as the regular Venga B-segment MPV now on sale in Europe. It features an electric motor with top power of 80 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm.
Showcasing Kia's 'EcoDynamics' range of fuel-saving vehicles at Geneva, Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24 kWh battery using innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, and provides a driving range of 180 km on a single charge.
Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW), the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after eight hours.
Venga EV is a front-wheel drive vehicle with the electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay, while the battery pack is located under the trunk floor. Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 kph in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 140 kph.
Venga EV represents Kia Motors' continuing commitment to earth-positive transport management and will mark a new beginning in the company's supply of eco-friendly vehicles.
Making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-electric, zero-emissions Kia Venga EV concept car is the same size as the regular Venga B-segment MPV now on sale in Europe. It features an electric motor with top power of 80 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm.
Showcasing Kia's 'EcoDynamics' range of fuel-saving vehicles at Geneva, Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24 kWh battery using innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, and provides a driving range of 180 km on a single charge.
Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW), the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after eight hours.
Venga EV is a front-wheel drive vehicle with the electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay, while the battery pack is located under the trunk floor. Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 kph in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 140 kph.
Venga EV represents Kia Motors' continuing commitment to earth-positive transport management and will mark a new beginning in the company's supply of eco-friendly vehicles.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
zamafir 2:18PM (3/08/2010)
looks very honda/mitsubishi
Reply
bd2 3:25PM (3/08/2010)
Gee, kinda like the Aston Martin Cygnet?
Small European cars have had this type of styling for years.
Kid Red 5:16PM (3/08/2010)
I kind of see the Fit in there somewhere. Nonetheless, it's quite handsome.
MiniMe 2:42PM (3/08/2010)
According to another article posted earlier, no one will be driving you or your kin in 2035!
Reply
bc 3:40PM (3/08/2010)
Actually, it looks a lot like an updated Hyundai Accent in 5-door form with a Kia grille slapped on it. Look at the headlamps, the lower air intake with the fog lamps (strongly resembles the current Accent SE 3-door), the rising, upswept beltline leading to a small window in the C-pillar (like the Elantra, Azera, and Tucson). OTOH, it does have a discreet Kia hockey-stick crease across the lower side doors.
Reply
darex 3:52PM (3/08/2010)
Kia Venga is a "FIT-killer". They'd be fools not to sell it here. So far, they're fool-ish.
D.
Reply
GOT 9:13PM (3/09/2010)
Agreed 100%!
This thing looks cool.