S. Korea's Kia Introduces All-Electric Venga Concept Car Based on B-Segment MPV

Widely overlooked at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show last week was the world debut of the South Korean automaker's all-electric, zero-emissions Kia Venga EV concept car.

The plug-in vehicle is the same size as the regular Venga B-segment MPV now on sale in Europe. It features an electric motor with peak power of 107 horsepower and maximum torque of 206 foot-pounds.

The Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24 kilowatt-hour battery using innovative lithium-ion polymer technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types and provides a driving range of 111 miles on a single charge.

Under a 50-kilowatt quick recharging cycle, the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kilowatts), 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.

Kia says the concept car is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62 miles per hour in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 84 mph.