Kia unveiled its electric concept, named the POP, at the Paris Motor Show, and has released full details and specifications. The Kia POP concept was designed to act like a “wild atom,” which epitomizes the company’s vision of what “future urban electric transport“ would be. According to Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe’s Chief Designer, said that he is pleased that Kia is in a position to “operate with such freedom.” The Kia POP measures 3.0 m (118 inch) in length, 1.74 m (68.5 inch) in width and 1.49 m (58.66 inch) in height, and has a wheelbase of 2.055 m (81 inch).
The POP is a chrome-colored three-seater with an electric drivetrain, oblong-shaped side windows and front-hinged doors. Guillaume said, “Many of the things that influenced this design were non-automotive.” He disclosed that the designers were inspired by studying “lightweight, aerodynamic things, such as gliders and high-speed bicycles.” The rear seat is positioned at an offset angle facing out from the rear passenger side across the cabin to the driver-side A pillar.
A Transparent Organic LED (TOLED) display can be seen on a small piece of plexi-glass in front of the steering wheel. This display shows a speedometer, battery charge gauge and the other main readouts when the car is running. When the car is off, this display is totally transparent. Powering the POP is an electric motor that offers 68 hp and 190 Nm of torque, and is coupled to a lithium polymer gel battery. A full recharge takes 6 hours with a 230V outlet, or 30 minutes of high voltage. It can hit a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) and has a range of 87 miles (140 km).
