CES 2018: Kia previews Niro EV concept, future mobility strategy

If there's one auto show that we can all nerd out to, it’s the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Well-established companies showcase their latest achievements in electric technology here. Take the Niro EV Concept from Kia as a perfect example – a fully-electric compact SUV with 5G internet connection and can warn pedestrians.

At a glance, it looks like the Niro EV Concept has its interactive communication screen on the very nose of its fascia. There aren't any grilles, as set standard on all EVs due to the absence of radiators, just black vents on the bumper that we suppose are the speakers. A full-frontal angle shows a pair of angry-looking headlamps and a bulging hood for aerodynamics.

However, it isn't just the design that Kia's most proud of. It is the in-car technology that we should take note of. 

The compact EV SUV features Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS) that specifically alerts pedestrians or animals about the presence of the car. With APWS, the vehicle will initiate audible warnings and lighting pattern via the speakers on the fascia and the headlamps.

To let CES attendees experience what it’s like to be inside the Niro EV, there are 2 cockpit-style demonstrations on site. The first one exhibits the new human-machine interface that it's equipped with. This includes a gesture-controlled infotainment and a digital dashboard multimedia screen to display vehicle settings.

The second cockpit demonstrates the in-car 5G connection which lets users stream the web inside the comfort of the vehicle. It also showcases the Separate Sound Control System for rear passengers. This feature lets front and rear passengers to listen to their own music simultaneously without annoying one another. This is all thanks to the car's two separate sound zones with noise-cancellation technology. 

On a much bigger scope, Kia plans to offer 16 fuel-cell EV models by 2020, as well as Level-4 autonomous nameplates by 2021. This is part of the company's 'ACE' technology that divides its plans to Autonomous, Connected, and Eco/Electric. In addition to this, the South Korean brand promises to adopt connected car tech across its model lineup by 2030.