2022 Kia Niro Plus: Rideshare electric car set for Australia

Kia has pulled the covers off an SUV targeted at taxi and rideshare drivers – the 2022 Kia Niro Plus.

Based on a standard Niro hybrid and electric SUV, the new variant has been stretched 80mm and raised 10mm for improved cabin space.

Photos reveal passenger grab handles, extra storage, door reflectors, and modified seats are part of the new package.

A “further enhanced” version for taxi drivers is sold in South Korea, however Australia will get a variant intended for private ownership and/or rideshare use.

A spokesperson for Kia told Drive: “Australia has been selected as one of the overseas markets to launch the general version.

“It will be limited volume and arriving during second half – further details will be confirmed in due course.”

Electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional hybrid options have been confirmed for production, however it’s unclear which of these will be offered locally.

“Kia is … introducing new mobility products that are tailored to the needs of users in markets around the world,” a Kia executive said in a media statement.

“The Niro Plus is our first step into the world of (purpose-built vehicles), a market that holds great potential for future development.”

Last year British start-up Arrival announced plans to build a ground-up electric car designed specifically for rideshare use.

Kia claims it’s on track to launch its own electric ground-up rideshare vehicle in 2025.

The South Korean car maker is yet to release details for the model, but says it will likely be a similar size to the current Niro.