2021 Kia Imagine electric vehicle spy photos
Kia's new EV has been spied cruising with a Tesla Model 3 and Toyota's Prius Prime
A prototype for what could be the production version of last year's Kia Imagine electric vehicle concept has appeared on German roads this week, flanked by a Tesla Model 3 and a Toyota Prius Prime.
While the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid EV (a petrol-electric hybrid with greater electric range), the unique design of the camouflaged car suggests a standalone electric model rather than a mere hybrid or PHEV offering.
Indeed, Kia has already confirmed production plans for the Imagine concept, with its chief operating officer Emilio Herrera telling industry journal Automotive News Europe that production is expected to begin "in one or two years".
Herrera added the new EV will be built on a dedicated electric platform, likely shared with Hyundai.
The prototype shown here does not appear to be a direct evolution of the Imagine concept alone, however, with elements of the more sharply-angled 2019 Habaniro concept also clear.
As for whether we'll see Kia's new electric car in Australia, the company tells CarAdvice: "Kia Motors Australia has made no secret of the fact that we desire an electric (vehicle) to join our local range and we continue to pursue that wish".
For more on Kia's EV plans, see our links below.
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